How to Identify Pure Milk vs. Adulterated Milk in Kota Markets
“I’ve always trusted milk for my children and parents because it provides essential calcium and vitamin B12. But the recent cases of milk adulteration in Rajasthan made me switch to packaged milk,” shares Mrs Neha Shah, a customer at Kota Fresh Dairy.
At Kota Fresh Dairy, we understand the deep connection families have with milk. In India, it isn’t just a drink. It’s part of our traditions, our meals, and our care for those we love. That’s why the conversation around pure vs adulterated milk is so important today.
According to a 2025 report by TOI, 97% of the milk samples found in Rajasthan were adulterated. This is alarming. To tackle this, the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) launched the “National Annual Surveillance Plan” in FY 2023–24. The plan focuses on monitoring staple foods such as milk, which are most vulnerable to adulteration. As of March 2025, FSSAI has also set stricter standards for milk and milk products to safeguard consumers.
At Kota Fresh, we recognise how stressful this situation can be for families. That’s why we have prepared this guide to help you identify pure milk vs adulterated milk in Kota and make the switch to safer, premium-quality packaged milk.
What is Pure Milk?
Pure milk is milk in its natural state, free from chemicals, water, or preservatives. It contains the right balance of fat, calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs for daily nourishment. However, the quality of milk doesn’t rely on the end product but on the source.
Milk collected from healthy, well-fed cows and handled under hygienic conditions retains its natural richness. On the other hand, poor handling, unhygienic storage, or unmonitored supply chains can compromise the quality of even the purest milk.
In simple terms, pure milk is:
Free from any adulteration.
Sourced from healthy cows.
Processed and packaged in clean, controlled conditions.
When both the composition and source are reliable, every glass of milk is safe, nutritious, and truly wholesome.
What are the Signs of Good Quality Milk?
Before you run a purity test, good milk gives you clear signs of quality. Here’s a list of things for you to check milk quality:
Colour: Naturally white with a faint yellowish hue. A bluish or dull shade may mean dilution.
Consistency: A smooth flow, neither too watery nor overly thick.
Smell: Fresh, mild fragrance. Any sourness or chemical-like odour is a warning sign.
Taste: Slightly sweet and pleasant, without bitterness or soapy aftertaste.
Cream Formation: Upon boiling, it leaves a thin layer of cream (malai) on top.
Packaging: Packaged milk should be sealed properly, without leaks, puffiness, or damage.
Expiry Date: Always check the use-by date. Fresh milk should be consumed before its expiration date for optimal quality.
Date of Manufacturing: The closer to the manufacturing date, the fresher the milk.
What are the Health Benefits of Good Quality Milk?
Pure milk is one of the most complete natural foods, rich in nutrients that the body readily absorbs. When it is unadulterated, the following are the nutrients pure milk gives for long-term wellness:
Calcium and Phosphorus: Maintain strong bones and teeth, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life.
Vitamin B12: Supports brain function, nerve health, and helps prevent fatigue.
High-Quality Protein: Builds and repairs muscles, making it essential for children, athletes, and active adults.
Potassium: Helps in regulating blood pressure and supports heart health.
Vitamin D (in fortified milk): Aids in calcium absorption, helps fight everyday infections, and strengthens the immune system.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Boosts energy levels by helping the body convert food into fuel.
Better Digestion: Fresh, unaltered milk is easier on the stomach and supports gut health.
What is Adulterated Milk?
Adulterated milk is milk that has been altered from its natural form to increase profit or shelf life. Instead of offering full nutrition, it loses its quality and can even become unsafe to consume.
Adulteration usually happens in two ways:
Dilution: Water is added to increase the quantity. This lowers protein, calcium, and vitamin levels, making the milk far less nutritious. In some cases, contaminated water brings bacteria and increases the risk of disease.
Chemical Addition: Substances are mixed in to improve appearance or delay spoilage. While the milk may appear thick and fresh, these chemicals can damage milk quality and affect digestion, bone health, and immunity in the long run.
What does Adulterated Milk Contain?
Adulterated milk might appear thick, white, and frothy. But in reality, the chemicals added to the milk can cause harm to health. The following are some of the common milk adulterants used in India:
Water: Water is the most adulterant used in milk. It is the simplest way to increase milk volume, but it reduces nutritional value. If contaminated, it can also carry bacteria, which can lead to stomach infections.
Detergents: Detergents are added to create foam and give a false impression of purity. These can irritate the digestive system and damage internal organs if consumed regularly.
Starch or Flour: Starch, obtained from sources such as rice or wheat, is used to thicken diluted milk and make it appear creamy. While it may go unnoticed, it alters the natural composition and misleads consumers.
Urea: Urea is sometimes added to increase the nitrogen content, allowing the milk to pass protein tests. However, it’s a chemical waste product and highly unsafe for human health. It can lead to kidney damage as well.
Formalin: This is a chemical preservative (also used for preserving biological samples) added to prevent milk from spoiling during transport. Prolonged exposure to this preservative is toxic and dangerous to health.
Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oils, such as palm or sunflower oil, are blended to mimic the fat content of real milk. Although these oils are edible, when mixed with milk, they change its natural structure, increase the fat content to an unhealthy percentage, and reduce their nutritional value.
Synthetic Milk: This is a hazardous mixture of water, detergents, urea, and oils designed to imitate the texture and appearance of milk. It poses serious health risks.
What Diseases Are Caused by Adulterated Milk?
Before we hop into understanding how to identify pure milk, let’s first understand the side effects of adulterated milk:
Food Poisoning and Diarrhea: Water contamination or the presence of harmful bacteria can cause stomach infections, cramps, and loose motions.
Kidney Damage: Chemicals like urea can stress the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste, and may lead to long-term damage.
Liver Problems: Preservatives such as formalin burden the liver, increasing the risk of inflammation and other complications.
Weak Bones and Growth Issues: Adulteration reduces calcium and protein content, especially affecting children’s growth and bone strength.
High Blood Pressure: Excess salts or additives can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance, contributing to hypertension.
Cancer Risk: Prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals like formalin has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
Weakened Immunity: The body’s defence mechanism gets compromised when harmful substances interfere with nutrient absorption.
5 Ways to Check the Purity of Milk at Home
The FSSAI has launched a guide to help consumers detect adulteration in everyday household products. However, the following is a list of tests to make it easier for you:
Test 1: Boiling Test
Boil a small amount of milk and let it cool.
If a thin layer of cream (malai) forms on top, the milk is likely pure.
No cream or an unusually thick layer may mean adulteration.
Test 2: Water Test
Pour a few drops of milk onto a clean, slanting surface, such as a tilted plate.
If it flows quickly without leaving any mark, the milk may be diluted with water.
Pure milk flows slowly and leaves a distinct white trail as it moves down.
Test 3: Curdling Test
Add a spoonful of curd to warm milk and let it sit, covered, for 8–10 hours.
Pure milk thickens into curd with a fresh smell and firm texture.
If it doesn’t set properly or smells sour/chemical-like, it may be adulterated or of poor quality.
Test 4: Iodine Test (for Starch or Flour)
Boil the milk and let it cool to room temperature.
Add a few drops of iodine solution and stir gently.
If the milk turns blue, it means starch or flour has been added to thicken it.
Test 5: Detergent Test
Pour the milk into a bottle and shake it hard for about a minute.
Pure milk creates only light foam that disappears quickly.
If thick, long-lasting froth forms, detergent might have been added to make the milk look fresh.
What is the Best Way to Avoid Adulterated Milk?
If you are worried about adulteration, switching to trusted packaged milk is the safest choice. Packaged milk is tested for purity, sourced from healthy cows, and handled under strict hygiene standards, giving you peace of mind and health with every glass.
| Point of Difference | Loose Milk | Packaged Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Source Control | Sourced from multiple, unverified vendors. | Comes from dairy farms with monitored cattle health. |
| Purity Risks | Higher chance of dilution and contamination. | Undergoes purity checks before packing. |
| Labelling | No proper information on source, additives, or expiry. | Clearly labelled with source, nutritional info, expiry date, and batch number. |
| Certification | No food safety certification or testing. | Certified by food safety authorities like FSSAI. |
| Pricing | Priced inconsistently, often influenced by local demand. | Transparent pricing with fixed rates and quality standards. |
| Hygiene and Handling | Open containers that are prone to contamination. | Processed, pasteurised, and packed under strict hygiene protocols. |
| Shelf Life | Spoils quickly due to exposure and lack of preservation. | Longer shelf life with proper refrigeration. |
Which is the Best Packaged Milk Brand in Kota?
When it comes to choosing safe and nutritious milk for your family, Kota Fresh Dairy is a trusted milk supplier in Kota. With years of experience, strict quality checks, and certifications from food safety authorities, we ensure that every drop of milk is pure, fresh, and wholesome.
We are an ISO, FSSAI, and FDA-certified company. We have a wide range of milk, such as cow milk, skimmed milk, toned milk, and even flavored milk. We source our milk directly from the farm and process it without any chemicals. This is our promise of health, taste, and trust to you.
