Bacteria Bomb in Packaged Milk? Lab Report Sparks Nationwide Dairy Safety Storm

A viral video by independent testing platform Trustified has ignited a nationwide debate after it claimed that packaged milk from three reputed Indian brands contained coliform bacteria far above permissible safety limits. The findings, based on what the organisation describes as 100% blind testing, have triggered widespread public concern, though some companies have denied any quality failure.

 Health experts say the allegation cannot be dismissed lightly. Dr. Arvind Agarwal, Director of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute in Delhi, noted that the presence of coliform bacteria is a serious red flag for hygiene, as these microbes—commonly found in soil, water, and animal waste—can indicate possible contamination and even the presence of harmful pathogens like Escherichia coli.

While packaged milk in India must meet strict standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and typically undergoes pasteurisation to eliminate harmful bacteria, lapses in processing, storage, or cold chain maintenance can still lead to contamination.

Doctors warn that consuming contaminated milk may cause diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and dehydration, with children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals facing higher risks. Experts advise consumers to check packaging and expiry dates carefully, boil milk properly before use, maintain strict kitchen hygiene, and seek medical attention if severe symptoms develop, as authorities intensify testing and sampling amid growing public scrutiny of dairy safety standards.