Maharashtra is witnessing a large-scale crackdown on milk adulteration after investigators uncovered a synthetic milk network in Dharashiv district. The action is part of a wider drive led by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has tightened checks on dairies, transporters, distributors, wholesalers and retailers across the state.
The campaign began on 25th May, when IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe took charge as FDA Commissioner. Soon after assuming office, he directed strict enforcement of food safety rules throughout the milk supply chain. Mundhe has said that milk is an essential source of nutrition for children, mothers, patients and senior citizens, and anyone compromising its quality is putting public health at risk. He also noted that the ongoing action has already reduced the supply of milk and paneer in some areas.
Investigation reveals large-scale synthetic milk production.n
The biggest breakthrough came from Bhoom taluka in Dharashiv district, where police and the FDA are investigating a major milk adulteration case. Officials examined the sales registers seized during the probe and found that around 2,30,470 kilograms of low-quality milk powder had been used over the past six months. Investigators estimate that this was enough to prepare nearly 23,04,070 litres of synthetic milk worth about ₹9.21 crore.
The probe further indicates that around 10 litres of synthetic milk were mixed with every 100 litres of pure milk. Based on this ratio, officials suspect that more than 2.3 crore litres of adulterated milk may have been supplied from milk collection centres in the Bhoom region to different parts of Maharashtra.
Harmful ingredients and police action
According to investigators, detergent powder, palm oil and low-grade chemical powder were mixed into the synthetic milk to make it look genuine and maintain fat content. Doctors have warned that regular consumption of such milk can seriously damage the liver, kidneys and digestive system, especially in children, pregnant women and elderly people.
Police have registered a case against seven people under strict provisions of the Food Safety Act. An SIT led by a police inspector has been formed, and continuous raids are being carried out to trace those who are still absconding. If found guilty, the accused can face a fine of up to ₹10 lakh and life imprisonment.
Police Inspector Shriganesh Kanagude said 61 bags of adulterated milk powder were seized during the raid. The investigation found that Balasaheb Godge supplied the powder to several dairy units in Bhoom, while multiple milk collection centres were also involved. The powder was reportedly sold as cattle feed to hide the racket. However, those who purchased and distributed the adulterated milk are yet to be identified. Bhoom produces 70-80 tonnes of khoya daily and exports lakhs of litres of milk, making the case particularly significant.
Wider enforcement across Maharashtra
The FDA’s strict inspections have affected businesses beyond milk collection centres. Videos showing people dumping milk into drains to avoid inspections have gone viral on social media. The agency also suspended the licence of Mumbai’s famous K. Rustom & Co. after finding serious hygiene violations and low milk fat compliance. Alongside the dairy drive, the FDA has raided around 904 locations across Maharashtra as part of its campaign against gutkha.
