Milk It For All It's Worth

MILK IT FOR ALL IT'S WORTH INSIGHTS IFPRInfographic ipri org MAGAZINE OF THE INTERNATIONAL FOOD POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE There are a number of points along the value chain where the quality and safety of milk may be compro- mised. This figure shows how the quality of milk from one cow in Assam, India, changes as it moves along the value chain to consumers. Along the way, it may be contaminated by bacteria, which can pose a threat to human health, or it may be adulterated with added water, which reduces its nutritional value. This kind of analysis shows exactly where the greatest risk to milk quality is generated, and therefore where along the value chain scarce resources for improving milk quality should be concentrated. ASSAM, INDIA MILK QUALITY ALONG THE VALUE CHAIN Bacteria Should be <5,000 bacteria per microliter Coliform A (evicdence of contamination by feces) Should be <1 bacteria per 100 milliliters RISK! 2 90 105 Quality falls dramatically here. This would be a good point in the value chain to Fat Shoukl be at least 3.5% 450 Added water Should be 0% add a "critical control 21 A Milk solids 1.8 3.6 point"-a procedure for reducing food safety hazards by, for example, washing hands or prevent- Should be at least 8.5% 3.6 2.4 | Acceptable levels Unacceptable levels 35 ing the addition of water. 8.6 7.8 8.0 4.3 *The mik's fat content is low besaa of atara blological varlaton between COWS. Fatcontent rses along the valun chaln when nik from this oOw s mixed with milk frum other cows. DAIRY SUPERPOWER CRYING OVER SPOILED MILK India,the world's largest milk producer and consumer, is self-sufficient in milk. 70% In January 2012, a government study of milk safety found that almost 70 percent MILLION TONS OF MILK PRODUCED 20% 70% 120 of samples taken nationwide in India were INDIA 100 UNTED STATES either watered down or contaminated with potentially toxic ingredients such as About 70% of the rural population is involved in milk production in some way. detergent and other chemicals. Dairy accounts for at lkast 20% of India's 1961 1958 1975 1982 1989 1995 2008 2010 agricultural economy. SDURCES: MIIK gualty alung the valie chuin D. Gae, D. Bakar, andT. Randolph, "hnwative and Participatory Risk-Basad orroaches to Assess MIK Saety in Devekoping Ccuntries: ACase Stuty in Unted Nations FAO, FAOSTAT database. Crylıg over spolled milk: Fed Safedyand Standards Authorty of Indla, Press note, Janiuary 11, 2012, ånd'iems reports.