Harmful chemical found in four milk powder brands: Report

26 July 2013 03:07 pm

The Technology and Research Ministry today revealed that a harmful chemical identified as DCD (dicyandiamide) is found in four varieties of imported milk powder available in the market today.

Technology and Research Ministry Media Secretary Dhanushka Ramanayake in a media statement said that DCD was found in four brands of imported milk powder but DCD was not contained in locally manufactured milk powder products.

“The Industrial Technology Institution has conducted investigations to check whether DCD was found in popular milk powder brands that are available in the market. Following these investigations, it was revealed that DCD was found in four imported milk powder brands. During these tests, two local brands were also tested, but they were proved to be free of this chemical,” Ramanayake said.

The statement quoted researchers as saying that milk powders that contain DCD were not fit for human consumption and that DCD could not be contained in milk powder.

Ramanayake also said in the media statement that the Industrial Technology Institution had submitted reports on the final results of the investigations to the authorities of the Consumer Affairs Authority, Health Ministry and the Customs for scrutiny. (Jayashika Padmasiri)