Bhubaneswar, Feb. 19 -- Substandard milk samples were detected in Odisha following laboratory tests conducted last year, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik informed the State Legislative Assembly.

The disclosure triggered concern among consumers over the quality of milk available in the market.

According to the Minister, milk samples from 88 private companies were tested last year, of which eight were found to be substandard.

At present, apart from OMFED, 22 companies are engaged in the dairy business in Odisha. Of these, 10 are Odisha-based companies, while 12 operate from outside the state, the Minister stated.

Following the disclosure, apprehensions have grown among consumers regarding milk safet...