Minister Claims Firms Adding Formaldehyde To Milk, Offers To Resign If Proved Wrong

Sivakasi (TN): Tamil Nadu Dairy Development Minister K T Rajenthra Bhalaji on Saturday stuck to his controversial remark about chemical presence in milk supplied by most private dairies and offered to resign if his claim was proved wrong.

"If they prove that there is no chemical, I am ready to resign, ready to get hanged..can they prove that there is no chemical ?" he asked. Speaking to reporters here, he said addition of formaldehyde in milk to extend the shelf life was "confirmed," in respect of milk produced by a section of dairy firms.

He said such firms were "100 per cent" mixing "chemical" and added that it should not be done. The Minister had earlier this week said private milk suppliers added chemicals to extend shelf life of their product, kicking up a row with the milk agents' association hitting out at him for his generalised statement. Standing by his remarks, Bhalaji said said he was not talking out of grudge against any private milk producing firm.

In some private milk (brands), the chemical was not present, but in respect of a majority of them, formaldehyde was added, the Minister said. "If I say this openly, it is said that I am causing panic among people. But is it not my duty as Dairy Minister to caution people?" he asked.