Monica Pradhan

Milk is encrypted as one of the most pure and nourishing food since times immemorial. It is the only natural food that can substitute mother’s milk. Milk contains vital nutrients mainly fat, protein (casein and whey protein), carbohydrate (lactose), calcium, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, magnesium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), Vitamin E (tocopherol) etc.

Crucial For Infant Growth
Apart from being a complete food for neonates, milk serves a crucial role for proper growth and development of an infant till adolescence. Similarly, its role to sustain basic metabolic activities in an adult and to reinvigorate life process in a geriatric population is undeniable. It is considered as a major part of the diet for vulnerable groups like pregnant mothers, sick and recuperating people. Hence, consumer health and safety aspect of milk cannot be compromised in anyway.
Technological innovations have been highlighting multifaceted values built around the nutritive and therapeutic functions of milk. Milk protein is now being used for encapsulating nutrients or bioactive for its targeted release in the human body. History of milk processing in Nepal has surpassed 6 decades and we have come a long way in systematizing dairying activities. 5-Year Dairy Development Plan FY 2077/078 also envisions streamlining of dairy sector development. The government enforced guidelines for safety and quality of milk and milk products in 2075.
In spite of all the ongoing efforts, there are still areas that need to be addressed to strengthen the existing quality and safety levels of milk. Milk is sold through various informal channels which poses discrepancy in the effort to systematize an organised milk market. Yet another challenging scenario is the prevailing mal-practice of exposing packaged processed milk to conditions out of cold chain, especially during distribution and sales.

Need For Organised Market
Annual per-capita availability of milk in Nepal is around 74.21 litres, which is less than the minimum consumption of 92 litres as recommended by the FAO (Food and Agricultural Organisation)/ WHO ( World Health Organisation). Milk production in Nepal is characterised by small holdings, mostly based on sustenance farming. 50% of milk is used for local consumption. Vendors delivering milk in cans at doorsteps are common sights in towns and even in cities too.
17% of milk, amounting to around 1 million litres per day (on yearly average) enters the formal sector, which comprises of public and private sector dairy processing industries. Quality Assurance activities are integral aspect of such industries. Packaged processed milk has to comply with Food Act, 2023 and Food Rules, 2027 of Nepal along with the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 among others. It is subject to regular monitoring and a formal redressal mechanism exists.
About 33% of milk is marketed through informal channels which may include distributors. A common perception of raw milk being fresh and healthier than packaged processed milk has led to the increasing popularity of such milk. Recent years has witnessed a rapid increase in local dairy shops or farm outlets which distribute raw milk across major cities. Such milk is sold unlabelled and unsealed. Consumers have no access to its composition, constituents, traceability and shelf life. Moreover, the use of food grade packaging material cannot be ascertained.
Drinking water, equally sensitive from public health perspective, is now closely scrutinised in terms of its quality compliance, packaging, labelling etc. Similarly, it is imperative to systematize disintegrated dairy business at local levels, formally channelize every source of milk sold to be distributed or processed under an existing monitoring legal frame work. This would justify consumer’s value for money and ensure a more organised milk market.

Maintaining Cold Chain
Processed packaged milk reaches the consumer after traversing a long journey from the farm through cooperatives, collection centres, processing plants and distribution channels. Quality and safety of processed milk is largely affected by raw milk quality and adequacy of processing. Pasteurization destroys pathogens and reduces its natural micro flora in milk to safe level.
The sensitive balance of nutrients in milk retains its integrity only if it is preserved under refrigerated condition till it reaches the consumer. Milk being a perishable product, every exposure to conditions otherwise, deteriorates its quality which befits the purpose of consuming milk.
In Nepalese context, handling of packaged processed milk along distribution channels is an area that needs to be improved. Packaged processed milk has to be dispatched in insulated or refrigerated vehicles and sold under refrigerated conditions only. Both industries and retailer channels should strive to preserve the sanctity of milk else, consumer confidence is affected and the brunt of loss of brand value is high.

Way ahead
Quality and safety of milk is paramount and every consumer is entitled to this basic right. The sources of market milk are many but the choice rests entirely upon individual perspective of trust, accessibility and price. Consumers should be aware of the possible health and safety implications of buying milk from invalidated sources. Unorganised growth of dairy sector poses discrepancies leading to unhealthy market competition, thereby affecting sustainability of system oriented dairies. While Nepalese industries continue to stress on improving Quality and Food Safely Management System within manufacturing premises, it is equally important to ensure cold chain of packaged processed milk in distribution and retail outlets as well.
Accountability of all concerned stakeholders in the milk chain is obligatory. While the consolidated effort of all dairy entrepreneurs should be protected, it is equally important to set up justifiable grounds for their healthy competition. Government’s role in monitoring, facilitating awareness, capacity building and effective implementation of standards and guidelines is crucial. Organised milk market reflects a systemic approach to quality. Strengthening the dairy sector not only supports government’s ongoing initiative to achieve self sufficiency in milk but will also have positive implications on milk quality and public health at large.

(The author is a food technologist. She can be contacted at monicakpg@yahoo.com).