A mobile application to identify common adulterants in milk

Abstract

Milk adulteration, the act of adding substances to milk to increase its volume or alter its properties, is a major concern in Uganda. The Dairy Development Authority (DDA) has raised concerns about this practice, highlighting water as the most common adulterant (Daily Monitor, 2021). Water is added to milk to increase its quantity, thereby increasing profit margins. Current methods for detecting milk adulteration, such as placing a drop of milk on a slanting surface or mixing a teaspoon of soybean powder in milk, have proven to be ineffective, allowing adulterated milk to pass as pure. In response to this issue, we developed a mobile application to identify common adulterants in milk, aimed at making the detection process easier and more accurate. The application not only identifies adulterants but also informs consumers why these adulterants are added and educates them on the health implications of consuming adulterated milk. This ensures that those responsible for adulteration are held accountable while raising awareness among consumers about the risks involved. To achieve this; we collected data using different methodologies. We used interviews and questionnaires with stakeholders in the dairy industry to understand current practices and challenges. We also reviewed literature and scholarly works to gain insights into existing detection methods and regulatory frameworks. These findings informed the development of the system specification document, guiding the design and implementation of the mobile application. As a result, an innovative solution that utilized modern technology to address a critical public health issue, enhancing the safety and integrity of the milk supply in Uganda was built. The project's outcomes include improved detection of milk adulteration, increased consumer awareness, and a potential reduction in the health risks associated with adulterated milk consumption. Future prospects include broader adoption of the application across Uganda's dairy sector to ensure safer milk consumption practices and uphold consumer confidence.