TN Dairy Minister Alleges Milk Adulteration by Private Firms
TAMIL NADU - Tamil Nadu Milk and Dairy Products Developments Minister Rajendra Balaji once again stirred a controversy by alleging that the products of private milk producers are adulterated.
28 June 2017
2 minute read
In a press briefing, Mr Balaji held two packets of milk products - one by Nestle and the other, a product of Reliance - and affirmed that he had laboratory results which shows they are contaminated, according to IndiaToday.
The dairy minister alleged there are contents of caustic soda and bleaching powder in the milk products.
Mr Balaji was not worried about the health secretary's earlier report to the court claiming that no such adulterants were discovered.
He stated that he has with him laboratory results, which prove his claim.
"The samples were tested in Pune to see if the firms were following the Centre's food regulation norms," Mr Balaji said.
The minister also stated that he came under pressure when he took his stance and he had to fight many hurdles.
A verbal spat ensued between Mr Balaji and former education minister Vaigai Selvan over the ordeal wherein the dairy minister accused Mr Selvan of saying anything if bribed with "a mere Rs. 500."
Mr Selvan retaliated by stating that it was the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK, an Indian political party in the states of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry) that pushed Mr Balaji from rags to riches and hence, he should not speak against a party member in such a manner.
Mr Balaji made assurances that action would be taken against those who add adulterants to such (milk) products.
When asked if the state would ban Nestle and Reliance products based on his test results, the dairy minister said that he would discuss with Chief Minister E Palaniswamy before making any decision.
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