The Food and Drug Administration has identified 37 accused and arrested 25 people in a widening Pune milk adulteration investigation that has traced suspected contamination from chemical suppliers to milk collection, chilling and processing facilities across the district.
The action began at Sonai Dairy in Manchar and has since extended to Malshiras, Indapur and other locations. According to the investigation reported by Pudhari, officials found that detergent and nonylphenol ethoxylate were being used in adulterated milk. The FDA is examining the full supply chain, including suppliers of adulterants, transporters, milk collection centres, chilling centres and dairy operators.
During the action at Manchar, officials seized whey powder, detergent and substances used to stabilise mixtures, along with other materials allegedly used in preparing adulterated milk. The investigation is examining how these substances entered the production chain and reached facilities involved in milk collection and processing.
The report said six milk samples collected at Akash Dairy Farm were tested and all were found to contain detergent. The findings have expanded the inquiry beyond a single dairy or collection point, with investigators identifying people associated with the supply and movement of adulterants as well as those linked to milk handling and processing.
The FDA has also ordered action against 26 food establishments, including suspension of licences or registrations and directions to shut businesses. The establishments named in the report include Navkar Distributors at Bhoramal, Avasari Khurd in Ambegaon taluka; Akash Dairy Farm in Manchar; Pirsai Milk and Milk Powder; Atharva Milk and Milk Product Industries at Shirve, Pargaon in Ambegaon taluka; and Sonai Dairy at Gokhali in Indapur.
The investigation has also reached institutions in Indapur and Malshiras. The spread of the action across collection, chilling and processing points indicates that the FDA is treating the matter as a chain-wide food safety investigation rather than an isolated incident at the retail level.
The reported use of detergent and nonylphenol ethoxylate raises concerns about the controls operating at the points where milk is collected, tested, chilled and transferred to dairies. These facilities form an important link between producers and consumers, making traceability and licensing central to the enforcement process.
The FDA said its special monitoring is focused on milk collection centres, chilling centres, dairies, milk-processing units and suppliers of substances that could be used for adulteration. Its stated approach is to identify not only the final adulterated milk sample but also the original supplier of the adulterating material and every responsible person involved up to the final supply of milk.
Further action will depend on the continuing investigation into the identified establishments, supply routes and individuals linked to the adulteration network.
