Coliform found in 33 of 36 milk samples collected in capital

KATHMANDU, June 26: Coliform bacteria has been found in milk products produced by several dairy companies in Kathmandu Valley. 

A microbiological test of samples conducted by Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DoFTQC) showed that 33 of the tested 36 packaged milk brands had coliform bacteria. This shows that only three milk brands are safe to consume.

According to report, Gayatri brand of milk produced by Kharipati Dairy; and Red and Blue pouches of Sulav milk produced by Samuhik Krishak Dairy are safe for consumption.

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An inspection team led by Minister for Agricultural, Land Management and Cooperatives, Chakra Pani Khanal, had 36 brands of 25 companies for microbiological test on June 14.

Coliform bacteria has been found even in milk produced by state-owned Dairy Development Corporation. The inspection team had sent samples of Cow milk and full cream milk produced by DDC for lab test.

The lab report shows that products of Aadhunik Dairy of Balaju, Galfu Binayak Dairy of Kavre, Akriti Dugdh Tatha Krishi of Balkot, Jai Shree Krishna Dairy of Kavre, Bhaktapur Dairy of Bhaktapur, Chaudhary Delicious HDI/HD Milk and Beverage of Kathmandu are unfit for consumption.

Similarly, products of Jagadamba Dairy Food and Beverage of Bhaktapur, HD Milk and Beverage of Kathmandu, Kalika Dairy of Bhaktaur, Sainju Dairy of Bhaktapur, Nava Pravat Dairy of Dhapakhel, Country Food Pvt Ltd of Bhaktapur, Rajdhani Dairy of Kathmandu, Sujal Dairy of Thankot, Sanjeevani Dairy Udhyog, Shivam Dairy of Bhaktapur, Sitaram Dairy of Kritipur, Himalayan Dairy Products of Lagankhel, Samyukta Dairy of Patan and Tulasa Dairy of Kathmandu have been found milk laced with coliform bacteria in the market.

After receiving the report, the Ministry of Agricultural, Land Management and Cooperatives has directed the dairy producers to strictly follow the production criteria and only send products fit for human consumption to the market. 

Meanwhile, DoFTQC has said that it would take needful action against dairies producing milk unfit for consumption as per the Food Act. Issuing a statement on Monday, the agri ministry has also asked consumers to be cautious while using dairy products.