Milk is a vital component of our diet but loose milk can be a carrier of disease causing micro-organisms, especially while mixing water. The modern dairy processing plants have made the consumption of milk safe and pathogen-free.

The belief that packaged milk contains preservatives which make it possible to store the milk without refrigeration is not true as the UHT packaged milk is completely preservative free. The special six-layered packaging of cartons is the reason why packaged milk can be stored without refrigeration for several months.

According to a recent Consumer Preference Survey (CPS) conducted, simultaneously, by students of the leading business schools in Karachi and Lahore, 80 per cent of people surveyed confirmed that they drink milk regularly. The survey sample included a cross section of socio economic groups.

Some 65 per cent of the respondents were females and 69 per cent were in the 18 to 35 age group. Of total respondents, 46 per cent were students. The survey team focused more on females as they generally manage kitchens.

The per capita consumption of milk in Pakistan is around 170 litres per year, which is much lower than other Asian countries. World wide statistics report that a total of 145 countries produce milk and its products, measuring up to 550 million tons a year with the US as the top producer and consumer of milk with 83 million tons. Pakistan ranks fifth in the world with a total production of 32 million tons per year.

Despite the premium status in milk production, our country has not been able to consolidate its benefits fully, A survey conducted earlier by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Agricultural University Peshawar, revealed that loose milk turns into a source of various diseases including high incidence of zoonitic diseases due to filthy housing system at dairy farms, unhygienic practices during milking, dirty utensils, transportation and marketing and water adulteration.

The researchers found that the unpacked milk contained an alarming ratio of brucellosis, which cause early abortions in expectant mothers, generalized body pain and temperature in older women.

Milk consumers in Pakistan are today becoming more and more aware of the diseases associated with the use of open milk. The Consumer Preference Survey shows that 89 per cent of the people in cities considered packaged milk as safe for consumption, whereas only 34 per cent respondents considered loose milk as safe. More than half the respondents (56 per cent) actually preferred the UHT milk.

Milk consumption patterns have shown a steady shift towards packaged milk as more people realize its health and packaging benefits. The total share of packaged milk has grown from 0.96 per cent to 5 per cent in just four years, indicating that the consumers are now becoming more health conscious.

Some 60 per cent of the respondents of the survey used open milk, though they were aware of its potential hazards, said that because they had developed taste for it as it is being used since generations.

Besides, milk is used in tea, desserts and other foods and beverages. Though, during boiling few common bacteria get expunged, but quite often, the dangerous pathogens survive normal boiling temperatures also.

However, when milk is processed for packaging it goes through a number of steps that ensure purity. Vitamin D is added to fresh milk and it is pasteurized at 280oF (138oC) for at least two seconds which increases the shelf life.

As it flows out of the pasteurizer, most milk is homogenized by being pumped through extremely tiny openings. As a result, the milk fat is broken up into particles too small to stick together and remains mixed throughout the milk rather than rising to the top as cream.

Packaged milk has been regarded as one of science's most useful techniques as it assures fresh, high-quality milk to the consumer without the hassle of refrigeration. It has also become easier to transport thus people living in remote areas can also benefit from it now.

The UHT processed milk is cooled rapidly to at least seven degrees Celsius and packaged into pre-sterilized containers and aseptically sealed. Since bacteria cannot enter the UHT milk, it can be stored at room temperature for at least three months.

Changing lifestyles have also influenced innovative variations in packaged milk, such as low-fat, skimmed and flavoured milk. Weight conscious people and those suffering from ailments such as diabetes etc., prefer other varieties such as skimmed milk.

Packaged milk has clearly surpassed open milk in its advantages and should be encouraged more so that people realize its benefits and switch to a healthier lifestyle.