Stories
Maharashtra FDA Uncovers Tainted Milk Supply Chain Linked to Pune Dairy
- •The Maharashtra FDA found that adulterated milk was allegedly supplied to Sonai Dairy in Pune district as part of an organised milk adulteration network probe.
- •Investigation revealed a supply chain involving Mahalakshmi Milk and Milk Products, Yogininatha Milk Suppliers, and Sonai Dairy in Gokhali, Indapur.
- •FDA destroyed 16,730 litres of adulterated milk worth Rs 6.69 lakh across two separate cases in Malshiras, Solapur district, after samples tested positive for detergent.
- •The wider investigation, which began in Manchar, uncovered a synthetic milk network using skimmed milk powder, whey powder, edible oil, emulsifiers, and detergent.
- •Authorities have identified 37 accused persons in the Manchar case, arrested 25, filed a charge sheet, and suspended or closed 26 linked food establishments.
Key Questions Answered
The Maharashtra FDA established a supply chain link between tainted milk distribution and Sonai Dairy in Gokhali, Indapur, revealing that adulterated milk containing detergent and substandard fat and SNF levels was supplied through Yogininatha Milk Suppliers and Mahalakshmi Milk and Milk Products. Consequently, thousands of litres of unsafe milk have been destroyed and FIRs registered against those involved.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed officials to consider invoking the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against individuals systematically running food and milk adulteration rackets for profit. Additionally, the state government is establishing a specialized legal team of senior lawyers to prevent cases from collapsing due to technical or procedural flaws.
Investigations into the synthetic milk networks uncovered the use of skimmed milk powder, whey powder, edible oil, emulsifiers, palm oil, and detergent to artificially mimic genuine milk and meet required fat and thickness standards. Samples tested positive for detergent and Nonylphenol Ethoxylate, prompting authorities to destroy large quantities of unsafe dairy.
