The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has arrested 25 people and ordered action against 26 food establishments after uncovering detergent and nonylphenol ethoxylate chemicals in adulterated milk across Pune district, officials said on October 8.
The crackdown began in Manchar, where FDA officials traced the alleged adulteration network across suppliers of adulterants, milk collection centres, chilling facilities and processing dairies. The investigation has identified 37 accused so far, of whom 25 have been arrested, according to the department.
During the operation, officials seized whey powder, which was allegedly being used to increase the solids content of milk, along with detergent and other substances used to stabilise the adulterated mixture. The FDA collected six samples from Akash Dairy Farm in Manchar for testing, and all six were found to contain detergent, officials said.
The investigation has extended beyond the dairy where the samples were collected. It covers alleged suppliers of adulterants, transporters, people associated with milk collection and chilling centres, and operators of dairy businesses involved in processing and distribution.
The establishments inspected include Navkar Distributors in Bhoramal, Ambegaon; Akash Dairy Farm in Manchar; Pirsai Milk and Milk Powder; Atharva Milk and Milk Product Industries at Shirve in Ambegaon; and Sonai Dairy at Gokhali in Indapur. The FDA also said action had been taken against establishments in Indapur and Malshiras.
The department has ordered the suspension of licences or registrations of 26 food establishments, or directed that their operations be shut down. These measures cover businesses linked to the supply chain under investigation and are intended to stop the handling, processing or distribution of the affected products while enforcement action continues.
The case highlights the number of points through which milk moves before reaching consumers in Pune district. Collection and chilling centres, transporters, powder suppliers, processing units and dairies all form part of the chain being examined by the regulator. The FDA’s action indicates that the investigation is not limited to a single retail outlet or isolated sample.
FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said Maharashtra was strict about food quality and enforcement of the law. “Playing with the health of consumers and the public will not be tolerated,” he said, adding that action against establishments selling or storing expired or adulterated food, or preparing products in unhygienic and unsafe conditions, would continue.
The FDA’s next steps are to continue investigating the 37 identified accused, enforce the licence suspensions and shutdown directions, and pursue action against the establishments and individuals linked to the adulterated milk supply chain.
