K'taka to get fortified milk by 2015; Strict laws against adulterated milk

Bangalore, Sept 30: T B Jayachandra, the minister for Law and Animal Husbandry has assured that strict laws would be in place soon to check the sale of adulterated

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Speaking at an event organised by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) and Tetra Pack Private India Limited on the occasion of the World Heart Day event, he said,"A majority of private companies that indulge in adulteration are located in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh areas, bordering Karnataka. They lace harmful chemicals such as urea to increase the fat content in milk."

He also ensured that a discussion in this regard has been held with the concerned authorities. Expressing his disappointment at the lack of healthcare infrastructure in villages, he said that doctors are unwilling to take up rural assignments because of the same.

He explained,"last year, 500 doctors were appointed to visit rural set-ups but only 220 were willing to go. Some postgraduate doctors are ready to even shell out Rs 10 lakh as fine for not completing their compulsory rural service. The fine will be increased to Rs 50 lakh soon."

In the same meeting, managing director A S Premanath from the Karnataka Milk Federation said that fortifoed milk will be introduced by 2015. These would be laced with Iron and Vitamin B12, keeping pregnant and lactating mothers in mind.

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