"Buffalo Milk Adulteration in South Punjab (Pakistan) -A Public Health Hazard"

Milk is a complex mixture enriched with nutrients, minerals and vitamins which are considered crucial for normal growth and functioning of vital organs.Consumers are quite interested in buffalo milk composition due to its direct relation with human health.The study was performed to investigate the effects of seasonal variation on buffalo milk composition and level of milk adulteration in Southern Punjab region of Pakistan.A total of 100 buffalo milk samples (50 samples/season) were collected and were examined from January to June 2022.All milk samples were transferred to Milk Analysis Laboratory Punjab Food Authority, Multan.Milk composition and milk adulteration were checked by using Lacto scan and Latte adulteratization kit (Milk adulteration analyzer).Data was analyzed by independent t-test.The results revealed that milk composition (Fat, protein, solid not fat) showed significant (P<0.05)difference in winter and summer seasons.Analysis of milk adulteration showed that milk samples were adulterated with skim milk, urea, detergent, and starch.Strict quality control measures are required to stop buffalo milk adulteration, a major threat to public health.