The Present Status of Organochlorine Residues in Milk Collected from Market of Faisalabad-Pakistan

Contamination in milk is more critical as compared to other foods as milk is first diet given to children before they are able to digest solid food. Children have low immunity to combat diseases, so their exposure to pesticide residues is of extreme concern. Lactating animals can be exposed to pesticide residues in several ways such as contaminated feed, contaminated water or direct contact with pesticides. Pesticides are bioaccumulated in different organs of animal and also secreted in milk. Presence of pesticide residues in milk is apprehension for consumers and producers. This study was designed to estimate exposure of population to these contaminants by screening the level of pesticide residues in milk collected from market close to urban population. It was found that no milk sample was found contaminated with DDT, but they were well below its MRL. Milk was also found contaminated with α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, Endosulfan-sulphate, Endosulfan-sulphate, DDE, γHCH and Dieldrin. Some of samples were exceeded their MRL. This data will be helpful for Pakistan for data collection and regulating rules and regulations.