DDT residues in butter and infant formula in India, 1977

Samples of commercial brands of butter and infant formula from different parts of India were examined for DDT residues. All 18 samples of butter representing nine brands were contaminated. Levels of DDT residues ranged from 0.42 to 11.36 ppm and exceeded the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization practical residue limit of 1.25 ppm in 90 percent of the samples. All four brands of infant formula contained DDT residues above the practical residue limit. Most DDT residues were in the form of p,p-TDE in both commodities. This contamination of milk with excessive amounts of DDT residues seems to be widespread in India.