'Samples Always Given For Testing In PET Bottles' Says Annamalai After Dairy Minister Mano Thangaraj Questions Report On Aavin Milk's Fat Content

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president K Annamalai today (21 November) responded to Dairy Minister Mano Thangaraj's questions about the test report on fat content in the full cream milk supplied by Aavin in orange coloured packets.

Annamalai had posted pictures of a test report stating that a sample of the full cream milk had 4.79 per cent fat content instead of the stipulated 6 per cent fat content for full cream milk. He stated that the test was done in a lab certified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

He also criticised the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government for its decision to stop the sale of the Green Magic packet which has a fat content of 4.5 per cent.

Responding to the post on X (formerly Twitter), Thangaraj wrote, “Annamalai, Addressing your recent tweet on Aavin Milk’s fat content, we are dismayed by the deliberate spread of misinformation. The referenced test report fails to specify it pertains to Aavin Milk. Aavin exclusively packages in packets, not PET containers as suggested, casting doubt on the sample’s authenticity. Testing samples without original packaging compromises accuracy. It’s a fundamental practice to ensure reliable results, seemingly overlooked here.

"We’re deeply concerned your statements may mislead and create unnecessary doubt. Aavin has an impeccable reputation, and we stand by the integrity of our processes. Regrettably, your actions appear to damage Tamil Nadu’s reputation for political gains. Discouraging support for locally produced Aavin products, vital to our farmers, raises questions about your motives.

"We suspect these actions for personal gain, possibly seeking benefits from companies outside our state, at the expense of our farmers – a disgraceful move. Refrain from baseless political maneuvers. We’re committed to transparency, upholding product standards, and won’t tolerate false claims undermining our state’s farmers.” 

Replying to Thangaraj on the questions regarding the use of PET containers, Annamalai wrote, "Thiru Mano Thangaraj, leased answers wouldn’t help hide the sorry state of affairs under the Corrupt DMK govt.

"The report is a reality check of how the state-run milk cooperative under the DMK govt has been converted to an extortion unit by charging more & delivering less.

"A minister should have known that samples are always given in pet bottles for testing, and what is important is whether the samples were handed over in good condition, which is affirmed in the report.

"Be it your predecessor or you now, you’ve ensured the downfall of Aavin with the constant increases in prices, deliberate manipulation of the composition of the product, deprived Aavin of the opportunity of producing the health mix and, most importantly, purposely decreased procurement of milk from farmers compared to the previous regime.

"Your baseless arguments wouldn’t help increase fat% in Aavin orange variety milk, but you acting as a Minister & carrying out your duty would.”

Also Read: Annamalai Criticises DMK Govt Decision To Stop Sale Of Green Colour Packets Of Aavin Milk