MADHYA Pradesh has got its first co-operative sector state-level dairy testing laboratory to crack down on milk adulteration. Built at a cost of Rs 12.40 crore inside the Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Dairy Federation (MPCDF) campus in Bhopal, the advanced facility is now ready for commissioning. The project has been funded by the Central Government under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)- a fact confirmed by official records on the Sanchi Dairy website, which states that Capital Project Authority, Bhopal was entrusted with civil and interior works. The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments and will test milk and milk products on over 100 parameters.

 

Tests will cover pesticides, antibiotics, heavy metals, aflatoxin, fat purity, protein, carbohydrates and common adulterants such as urea, starch, sugar, salt, maltose and iodine. In a first, the lab will be open not only for co-operative unions but also for common consumers and private food producers who want to get their products tested. Officials said the lab has been developed as per NABL and FSSAI accreditation standards and the process for recognition is underway. The facility is expected to become operational shortly. The initiative aims to ensure quality, enforce food safety norms and strengthen monitoring of adulteration across the state, which is pushing to become the country’s milk capital.