Formalin and phosphate detected in dozens of milk samples; PSQCA declares citywide supply unfit for human use
KARACHI: All milk samples collected across Karachi have been declared unfit for human consumption, according to a report submitted to the Sindh High Court (SHC) by the city commissioner. Tests conducted by the Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) revealed widespread adulteration and serious hygiene lapses across the city’s dairy supply chain — raising grave concerns about public health and consumer safety.
Adulteration and contamination confirmed
The commissioner’s report, filed before a two-judge SHC bench led by Justice Adnan Iqbal Chaudhry, stated that laboratory analysis found formalin in 22 samples and phosphate in eight — clear markers of chemical tampering and adulteration.
All the milk samples submitted for testing were declared substandard and hazardous to human health, indicating that contamination was not isolated but citywide.
Supply chain practices under scrutiny
According to the report, dangerous hygiene practices and poor safety standards followed by farmers, wholesalers and retailers are responsible for contamination. The city commissioner pointed out that these practices jeopardize consumers’ health and make any price hike unjustifiable — especially during winter, when demand for dairy products typically declines.
In response, milk-sellers’ associations were instructed to develop joint Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure better hygiene, proper handling and safe distribution. These SOPs were submitted to the commissioner’s office on November 25, 2025.
Official response: Price fixed, quality demanded
Despite contamination findings, the municipal authorities took regulatory action. On November 27, a new maximum retail price was set at Rs 220 per litre, and milk associations were ordered to adhere strictly to correct measurement, proper SOPs and ensure quality compliance.
The SHC accepted the report into its record, since no party challenged the findings during the hearing, effectively making the declaration part of the court record.
Public health alert and fallout
The disclosure comes amid growing concerns over the quality of milk in Karachi: earlier this year, a different survey by the Sindh Food Authority (SFA) found over 55 percent of milk samples laced with harmful chemicals such as detergent, salt, or simply diluted with water. Health experts warn that consumption of adulterated milk contaminated with formalin or phosphates can cause serious health risks, including gastrointestinal problems and long-term organ damage. The citywide alarm should prompt immediate corrective measures, stricter oversight and transparency in the dairy supply chain — and consumers are urged to exercise caution.
