Chlorate is a byproduct produced during the disinfection process. If chlorine containing disinfectants are used in milk production, it may lead to excessive levels of chlorate. Secondly, chlorine containing cleaning agents used in milking and milk processing plants may also be sources of pollution. In addition, if animal feed contains perchlorates, these substances may enter milk.

Chlorate has certain hazards to the human body, such as hindering the absorption of iodine by the thyroid gland, damaging  red  blood  cells,  and  affecting  the  function  of  blood   in  transporting  oxygen.  This  article   uses  ion chromatography to determine the content of chlorate and perchlorate in milk.