Author
Claim: An X user claims that 87% of people in India will develop cancer by 2035 due to consumption of adulterated milk. It claims that 68.7% of milk and milk products sold in India are adulterated.
Fact: False. The WHO has clarified that it has not issued any advisory to the Indian government.
An X user has shared an apparent media report alleging that adulterated milk could cause 87% of India’s population to develop cancer by 2035. “India drinks poison, not milk; production is 140 million liters, but consumption is 640 million liters.”
The report raises concerns about milk adulteration in the country and the serious health risks it poses. It claims that 68.7 percent of milk and milk products sold in India are adulterated. They do not meet the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Its consumption poses a risk of cancer to 87 percent of Indians by 2035.
The post garnered 35,000 views, 535 likes, more than 117 comments and 258 shares.
WHO debunks claim
The WHO has clarified that it has not issued any advisory to the Indian government warning that adulteration in milk and dairy products could cause cancer or other diseases in 87% of Indians by 2035.
“The claim that the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an advisory to the Government of India stating that adulteration of milk and milk products could result in 87% of Indians developing cancer and other diseases by 2035 is false. The WHO has not issued any such advisory. Sharing or forwarding unverified information can create unnecessary panic and mislead the public,” read the clarification.
Also, a Facebook post by WHO India published on August 3, 2026, stated that the claim is false.
“Fake news alert: The claim that the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an advisory to the Government of India stating that adulteration of milk and milk products could result in 87% of Indians developing cancer and other diseases by 2035 is false. WHO has not issued any such advisory. Sharing or forwarding unverified information can create unnecessary panic and mislead the public. Please verify facts from credible sources before sharing. Help prevent the spread of misinformation and rumours,” read the post.
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