A video claiming 98 times higher pressence of coliform in Amul Taaza and Gold pouch milk has gone viral. The blind test has been done by an independent testing platform called Trustified.
The blind test claims that Amul Taaza and Gold pouch milk contains 98 times higher coliform levels than FSSAI’s prescribed limits.
What is Coliform?
Commonly found in soil, water, vegetation, animal intestines and human intestines, Coliform bacteria is a group of bacteria. So, when coliform is detected in milk, it does not always point to contamination of milk by human waste.
In India, milk is often extracted manually in many dairy setups. If the cow’s udder is not cleaned properly before milking, there is a high risk of contamination. Bacteria from cow dung can easily transfer from the udder area to the milker’s hands and then into the container used to collect the milk.
Amul Response
According to Moneycontrol, in response to the viral video, Amul said that all its products meet all safety standards. Dismissing the reports, the company said that there could be possible breaks in the cold chain at the retail or distribution level, rather than any manufacturing failure.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Food safety is a fundamental public health issue one that demands clarity, transparency and accountability from both brands and regulators. Viral lab claims and social media buzz should not be the primary basis for national confidence in daily essentials like milk.
At the same time, companies must engage proactively with independent testing and regulators to address reasonable consumer concerns, rather than rely solely on reputational assurances.
