NSDCFL create consumer awareness on fortified milk

An exhibit of milk & fortified milk products by NSDCFL in Kohima recently. (Morung Photo)
 

Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 5

The Nagaland State Dairy Co-operative Federation Ltd (NSDCFL) stated that milk fortification project is being implemented nationwide by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) supported by Tata Trust in collaboration with the India Nutrition Initiative (TINI).

In a pamphlet on “Milk & Fortified Milk: Consumer Awareness,” NSDCFL stated that fortified toned milk is being marketed in Nagaland effective from September 18, 2019 under two brands namely ‘MILKCON’ and ‘DIMUL.’
The pamphlet stated that milk is often regarded as being nature's most complete food.

The nutrients in milk are present in a balanced proportion making it a complete food. The major and minor constituents/nutrients of milk include milk fat, protein (casein and whey proteins), carbohydrates (lactose, also known as milk sugar), minerals (calcium, phosphorous), vitamins (A, B, D), enzymes etc.

In addition, most of these nutrients (such as minerals) in milk are present in a form that is easily absorbed in our body.

The unique composition of milk (water and other nutrients) makes it a highly perishable commodity. It is an ideal medium for growth of micro organisms and, therefore, highly susceptible to microbial spoilage. If not produced and handled in a proper hygienic manner, various types of spoilage and disease-producing organisms can grow in milk/milk products making it unfit/unsafe for human consumption.

Milk is therefore, pasteurized to preserve the milk by the inactivation of enzymes and destruction of heat-sensitive micro-organisms but causing minimal changes to the nutritive value or sensory characteristics of milk at the same time.

The pamphlet also stated that raw milk is processed in Dairy Plants involving several steps to ensure that the marketed milk is hygienic and nutritionally beneficial to consumers. Processing also include toning of milk to maintain 3% Fat & 8.5% SNF as per ICMR recommendation.

Raw Milk so processed is then marketed as Pasteurised Toned Milk (Single Toned Milk). Presently milk also is fortified with Vitamin A & D.

The pamphlet stated that fortification is the process by which manufacturers add micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals to food.

The purpose is to reduce the rate of common deficiencies and diseases that would otherwise occur in the absence of these nutrients. Fortification, in this case means, milk is added with Vitamin A and D.

Food Safety & Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) and Food Fortification Resource Centre (FFRC) regulate the standard and implementation of Milk Fortification in India.
Fortified food/milk is identified with +F Logo in packets.
 
Benefits of Fortified Milk
•    Vitamin A promotes healthy vision, healthy skin
•    Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption and bone growth.
•    Both Vitamins strengthen the immune system.