Should You Boil Packaged Milk? Experts Weigh In

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. The practice of boiling milk is deep-rooted in tradition, but experts say there’s no need to boil packaged milk.
2. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria, reducing the need for additional boiling.
3. Over-boiling milk can reduce its nutrients, like vitamins C and B, and denature proteins.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

In India, boiling milk has been a long-standing tradition. Historically, milk was obtained directly from local dairies, and boiling was necessary to kill bacteria and microorganisms that could cause illness. However, most packaged milk available today is pasteurized, which means it has already been heat-treated to kill harmful bacteria.

Experts say that boiling packaged milk isn’t necessary. Dr. Rakesh Gupta from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals explains, “Pasteurized milk is already safe for consumption. There’s no need to boil it unless the packet is damaged or improperly stored.” Boiling breaks down proteins, making them easier to digest, but over-boiling can reduce essential nutrients like vitamins C and B, and eliminate beneficial bacteria.

Despite this, many people still prefer to boil milk due to cultural habits and concerns about milk adulteration. Some also prefer the taste and texture of boiled milk. If there are signs of dirt or improper storage in the packet, boiling could act as an extra safety measure.

Pasteurization involves heating milk to 72°C for 15-20 seconds to eliminate harmful bacteria, making it safe to drink without boiling. However, if the cold chain has been compromised during transportation or if the packet is damaged, boiling can offer additional protection.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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