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HYDERABAD, May 2

NEARLY 25 per cent of the milk supplied in Hyderabad through retail outlets is contaminated by aflatoxins, which cause cancer and trigger mutations, especially to genes involved in the production of liver cancer, according to the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (Icrisat)

The institute has stated that studies have revealed that milk, including popular brands meant for infants, is contaminated by aflatoxins. The milk used in children's formula often came from cattle feed with contaminated food.

This apart, Icrisat's research has found aflatoxin contamination in a variety of food items such as groundnuts, chillies, ginger, black pepper, turmeric and coriander. In a survey of supermarkets in the city, it has been found that a large number of groundnut products as chikkies, peanut butter and milk-based confectionery were contaminated.

However, in a press release, the institute has stated that the number of humans infected by aflatoxins is not known. Aflatoxins act very slowly and prolonged consumption could lead to liver cancer in humans. They are also immunosuppressive and could make a person susceptible to other health disorders.

According to the Icrisat's Director General, Dr William D. Dar, a recent survey carried out in the rural areas of the country showed that 21 per cent groundnut samples contained non-permissible aflatoxin levels. In 1994, more than 2 lakh broiler chicken in Rangareddy district, adjoining Hyderabad, died as a result of aflatoxin.

He said the major drawback in fighting aflatoxins in India was the low level of awareness.

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