VIRUDHUNAGAR: Private milk samples tested in State-run laboratories revealed the presence of formaldehyde, a chemical commonly used to preserve bodies from decaying, alleged Milk and Dairy Development Minister KT Rajenthra Bhalaji.
The samples have been sent to Central laboratories for further testing, he said, adding that the government would take stringent action and shut erring milk companies.
“Tests at State laboratories showed that formaldehyde is being used in milk. This is the same chemical used by medical colleges to preserve bodies. We have sent the samples to four Central government laboratories for evaluation, which would take 25-30 days,” said the minister on Saturday.
This is the latest in a series of salvos he has been firing against private milk firms. After alleging addition of cancer-causing chemical preservatives, he named hydrogen peroxide as one of the chemicals and then accusing them of converting curd to milk.
To a query, Bhalaji said his intention was not to trigger panic among the public, but only to make them understand of the dangers they are not aware of. “I did not immediately inform the media when I found out about adulteration. I conducted inspections several times, and stayed there when the sample was being tested at the Madhavaram facility. Four teams were formed with expert doctors to test the samples, and this issue was also taken to the notice of Chief Minister ‘Edappadi’ K Palaniswami.
“It is my duty as the minister to inform and warn the people,” Bhalaji said, adding that now people would begin to consider why some milk was not spoiled even after 10-15 days.
Denying allegations that his tirade against private firms was to arm twist them into paying bribes, he said, “If there are any doubts, I am open to a probe by a HC judge or CBI. If the private suppliers maintain innocence over the allegations, they can prove it there.”
“If they prove there is no chemical content as alleged, then I am ready to resign. I am even ready to hang myself.”
When asked about allegations about the quality of the milk distributed by Aavin, the minister challenged the sceptics to test the samples at any lab, to prove their charges. “If the test reveals any issue, I will take full responsibility for it,” Bhalaji added.
Since assuming the responsibility of dairy development six months, he has toured the State and conducted meetings with officials at all levels to ensure that there were no malpractices in any of the Aavin units.