Written By: Anurag Tiwari
These days, life feels like a survival game episode. It just depends on who can stay safe until the very end because there appears to be a new threat waiting around every corner. There are pollutants and chemicals in the air we breathe. Heavy metal contamination of drinking water, including arsenic, is a common topic in reports. Concerns about pesticides in fruits and vegetables, dangerous ingredients in eggs, and adulterated spices are just a few of the issues that keep coming up.
This list of issues has now been expanded to include milk. We have been informed since we were young that milk is necessary for healthy health. Mothers would frequently chastise us for not drinking all of our glass. However, recent disclosures have made people wonder: Is the milk we rely on truly as safe as we think?
This news may cause you to lose faith in major brands like Mother Dairy, Country Delight, or Amul. Taste and cost are no longer the main concerns; quality and safety are now. Nowadays, when it comes to the health of their family, consumers must remain vigilant, listen to reports, and make wise choices.
There is a YouTube channel called Trustified that uploaded a video on February 8, 2026. In this video, the channel claimed it had conducted microbiological testing on milk from different brands. Such testing helps determine whether the milk is safe to drink, whether proper hygiene was maintained during processing, and whether the packaged product meets safety standards.
According to the video, the following products were tested:
Amul Taaza (pouch milk)
Amul Gold (pouch milk)
Amul Tetra Pack milk
Mother Dairy milk (pouch)
Country Delight milk (pouch)
Findings Shared in the Video
The video alleged that Amul Taaza and Amul Gold showed high levels of coliform bacteria.
As per FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) guidelines, coliform bacteria in milk should not exceed 10 colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter.
However, the video claimed:
Amul Taaza: 980 CFU/ml of coliform bacteria
Amul Gold: 25 CFU/ml of coliform bacteria
Both figures were presented as being above the stated safety limit.
Mother Dairy Findings
The video also discussed results for Mother Dairy Cow Milk, stating that the Total Plate Count (TPC) was significantly high.
TPC refers to the total number of bacteria present in the milk. A high TPC may indicate:
Poor processing hygiene
Improper storage temperature
Aging or spoilage of milk
According to the video:
Mother Dairy Cow Milk: 24,40,000 CFU/ml TPC
Reported safe limit: 30,000 CFU/ml
The video suggested that milk with such high bacterial counts may spoil quickly and may not be considered safe for consumption.
According to the claims mentioned earlier, Country Delight Cow Milk was also reported to have a higher Total Plate Count (TPC). The video stated that it contained 60 CFU per milliliter, which was described as double the safe limit.
However, the report claimed that Amul’s Tetra Pack milk met all microbiological standards and passed the safety parameters in testing.
According to the claims mentioned earlier, Country Delight Cow Milk was also reported to have a higher Total Plate Count (TPC). The video stated that it contained 60 CFU per milliliter, which was described as double the safe limit.
However, the report claimed that Amul’s Tetra Pack milk met all microbiological standards and passed the safety parameters in testing.
What Does High Coliform Bacteria in Milk Mean?
Coliform bacteria are a group of microorganisms commonly found in:
Soil
Water
Animal waste
The environment around food processing areas
They are generally used as indicator organisms. This means their presence does not always mean the milk contains dangerous pathogens, but it can signal:
Poor hygiene during processing
Contamination during packaging
Improper storage conditions
Breaks in the cold chain
If coliform levels exceed regulatory limits, it suggests that sanitation standards may not have been properly maintained.
Possible Health Risks of High Coliform Levels
While not all coliform bacteria are harmful, elevated levels can increase the risk of contamination by harmful pathogens. Potential health effects may include:
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Nausea
Food poisoning symptoms
Gastrointestinal infections
Young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems are generally more vulnerable to bacterial infections.
What About Total Plate Count (TPC)?
A high TPC means there is a large number of bacteria present in the milk overall. This may indicate:
Milk is close to spoilage
Improper refrigeration
Poor handling practices
High bacterial growth can reduce shelf life and may lead to faster spoilage.
Important Note
These figures are based on claims made in an online video. For accurate conclusions, consumers should:
Check for official statements from the brands
Look for clarification from FSSAI or regulatory authorities
Ensure proper storage at home (refrigeration at 4°C or below)
Milk safety depends not only on processing but also on transportation and storage after purchase.
Trustified vs Amul: Understanding the Risks of Excess Coliform, Yeast and Mold in Curd
Is Amul curd really safe and healthy?
This question is being raised after Amul Masti dahi reportedly failed a quality test. It’s important to clarify that we are talking about the pouch (packet) curd, not the cup variant.
A YouTube channel named Trustified uploaded a video on January 4, 2026, claiming that it had conducted a laboratory test on Amul Masti dahi. According to the video, both the pouch and cup versions of the curd were sent for testing.
So, what did the lab report actually reveal? Here’s a breakdown of the findings and what they could mean for consumers.
Let’s first talk about the 390-gram pouch version of Amul Masti dahi.
According to Amul’s label claims, the curd contains 4 grams of protein per 100 grams. However, the lab test reportedly found 4.95 grams of protein, which is actually higher than claimed — and a positive sign.
For carbohydrates, the company claims 4.6 grams per 100 grams, while the lab found 5.62 grams.
As for fat content, the label states 3.1 grams per 100 grams, but the test showed 3.53 grams. Similarly, saturated fat was also found to be slightly higher than the declared value.
Overall, the differences in protein, carbs, fat, and saturated fat were not very significant.
However, the major concern raised in the report was about microbiological safety.
According to the video, two components were found in levels far exceeding the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) safety limits:
1. Coliform Bacteria
FSSAI states that coliform bacteria in such products should not exceed 10 colony-forming units (CFU) per gram.
But the lab test reportedly found 21,000 CFU per gram — which is said to be 2,100 times higher than the permissible limit.
2. Yeast and Mold
Yeast and mold are types of fungi.
The FSSAI safety limit for yeast and mold is 50 CFU per gram.
However, the pouch variant reportedly showed 3,000 CFU per gram — about 60 times higher than the prescribed limit.
What About the Cup Version?
In contrast, the cup variant of Amul dahi reportedly performed much better. While protein, carbohydrates, and fat levels were slightly higher than claimed, all microbiological parameters were said to be within safe limits. According to the report, the cup version passed the lab test.
According to the report, the pouch variant failed the test, and once Trustified’s video went public, it created a major stir.
Amul responded the very next day, on January 5, issuing a clarification. The company stated that curd is a live product containing beneficial bacteria and must be handled strictly according to the storage instructions mentioned on the packaging. Amul also said it was unaware of how the sample was collected or how it was handled before testing.
The company maintained that Amul Masti dahi complies with all FSSAI regulations and internal quality standards. It further stated that the product is manufactured in ISO-certified dairy plants and undergoes more than 50 rigorous quality checks, including multiple hygiene-related tests, before reaching consumers.
Amul emphasized that both the pouch and cup variants follow the same processing and hygiene protocols. The only difference, according to the company, is the packaging format, which is designed for consumer convenience. The cup is more expensive due to higher packaging material costs — not because of any difference in product quality.
The company also alleged that the video was unnecessarily spreading fear and anxiety among consumers, and reassured customers that Amul Masti dahi is safe for consumption.
But Here’s the Bigger Question
Curd naturally contains bacteria — in fact, that’s what makes it curd. So why is a higher level of coliform bacteria, yeast, and mold considered serious? Can it actually harm health?
Let’s understand this clearly:
Not All Bacteria Are the Same
Curd contains beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus, which help in digestion and gut health. These are intentional and safe.
However, coliform bacteria are not beneficial bacteria. Their presence usually indicates:
Poor hygiene during processing
Contamination from water or equipment
Improper storage or temperature control
Some coliform strains can be harmless, but others may include harmful bacteria like E. coli, which can cause:
Stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Food poisoning
What About Yeast and Mold?
Yeast and mold are fungi. In small controlled amounts, some fermented foods may naturally contain yeast. But excess levels usually indicate spoilage or contamination.
High yeast and mold levels can lead to:
Sour or unpleasant taste
Bloating and digestive discomfort
Risk of toxin production (in rare cases, certain molds produce mycotoxins)
For children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, or people with weak immunity, contaminated dairy products can pose higher risks.
Why Limits Exist
Regulatory bodies like FSSAI set microbial limits not because bacteria in curd are bad — but because:
Certain bacteria signal contamination
High microbial load reduces shelf life
It increases the risk of foodborne illness
Even though curd is a fermented product, uncontrolled or excessive microbial growth is not considered safe.
Final Thought
At this stage, there are two sides to the story — the independent test report and the company’s official clarification.
For consumers, the key is:
Always store curd at recommended temperatures
Check packaging dates
Avoid consuming products with unusual smell, taste, or texture
Follow updates from official regulatory authorities
Awareness is important — but so is balanced judgment based on verified information.
FAQ
1. What did Trustified claim about Amul, Mother Dairy, and Country Delight milk?
Trustified alleged that microbiological tests showed high levels of coliform bacteria in Amul Taaza and Amul Gold, and high Total Plate Count (TPC) in Mother Dairy and Country Delight milk. However, Amul’s Tetra Pack milk was claimed to have met safety standards.
2. What is coliform bacteria and why is it a concern in milk?
Coliform bacteria are indicator organisms found in soil, water, and animal waste. Their presence in milk may signal poor hygiene, contamination during processing, or improper storage conditions.
3. What are the FSSAI limits for coliform bacteria in milk?
According to FSSAI guidelines, coliform bacteria in milk should not exceed 10 CFU (colony-forming units) per milliliter.
4. What is Total Plate Count (TPC) in milk?
Total Plate Count (TPC) measures the total number of bacteria present in milk. A high TPC may indicate poor hygiene, improper refrigeration, or milk nearing spoilage.
5. Can high coliform bacteria in milk cause health problems?
Yes, elevated coliform levels may increase the risk of foodborne illnesses such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and gastrointestinal infections—especially in children, elderly individuals, and people with weak immunity.
6. Did Amul respond to the allegations made in the Trustified video?
Yes, Amul issued a clarification stating that its products comply with FSSAI standards and internal quality checks. The company also questioned the sample handling and testing process.
7. What were the claims about Amul Masti dahi (curd)?
The video claimed that the pouch variant of Amul Masti dahi showed high levels of coliform bacteria, yeast, and mold beyond FSSAI limits, while the cup variant reportedly met safety standards.
8. Why are yeast and mold levels important in curd?
Yeast and mold are fungi. While curd naturally contains beneficial bacteria, excessive yeast and mold may indicate spoilage or contamination and could pose health risks in some cases.
9. Is all bacteria in curd harmful?
No. Curd contains beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus, which support digestion and gut health. However, coliform bacteria are not beneficial and may indicate contamination.
10. What precautions should consumers take regarding milk and curd safety?
Consumers should store dairy products at 4°C or below, check expiry dates, avoid products with unusual smell or texture, and follow updates from official regulatory authorities before drawing conclusions.
