07 October,2026 09:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The crackdown is part of a special Maharashtra FDA campaign targeting adulteration in milk and milk products. Representational Pic
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has uncovered an alleged organised milk adulteration network involving detergent, industrial chemicals and other substances used to prepare synthetic milk.
The investigation has so far identified 37 accused persons, of whom 25 have been arrested and charge-sheeted, while authorities have traced an alleged supply chain connecting adulterated milk to Indapur Dairy and Milk Products Ltd., popularly known as Sonai Dairy, in Gokhali, Indapur.
In separate enforcement actions in Solapur's Malshiras area, the FDA also destroyed 16,730 litres of milk valued at around Rs 6.69 lakh after laboratory tests found the milk unsafe for human consumption.
The crackdown is part of a special Maharashtra FDA campaign targeting adulteration in milk and milk products.
Officials are investigating the entire supply chain rather than limiting their checks to finished milk products. The probe covers the sourcing of substances used for adulteration, their storage and distribution, their alleged use at milk collection and chilling centres, and the movement of the resulting milk to processing units.
The investigation began in Manchar, Pune district, after the FDA received confidential information that certain individuals were allegedly using or supplying Skimmed Milk Powder (SMP), Whey Powder, Whey Permeate Powder, edible oil, emulsifiers, detergent and other substances to prepare synthetic milk.
On July 4, 2026, a joint team of the Maharashtra FDA and Pune Rural Police's Local Crime Branch raided Navkar Distributors at Bhoramala, Avasari Khurd, Taluka Ambegaon.
Officials found several varieties of Whey Powder and Whey Permeate Powder, along with detergent, emulsifiers and other substances suspected to have been used for milk adulteration.
Samples were collected and the stock was seized. The seized material included Whey, Whey Permeate and Dairy Permeate Powder sold under names including Sonai, Mlekpol, Prabhat Dairy, Milky Mist, Paras and Govardhan. Officials also found instant tea and coffee creamer and materials labelled as detergent, emulsifier and whey powder adulterants.
A case was registered at Manchar Police Station under Crime No. 215/2026, after which investigators began examining the wider supply chain.
According to the FDA, interrogation of the main accused revealed an alleged method for manipulating the composition of milk.
Investigators said Skimmed Milk Powder was used to increase Solids-Not-Fat levels, while Whey Powder was used to increase protein-related components. Edible oil was allegedly added to increase fat content, while emulsifiers and detergent were used to mix the various components.
Based on these findings, the FDA expanded inspections to suppliers, stockists, milk collection centres, chilling centres and other establishments connected to the suspected network.
The investigation took a more serious turn after laboratory analysis detected Nonylphenol Ethoxylate, an industrial chemical, in material identified as an adulterant.
An FDA food analysis report on a sample labelled "Emulsifier - Adulterant" detected the chemical. Subsequent testing of milk samples also revealed detergent and Nonylphenol Ethoxylate.
At Akash Dairy Farm in Manchar, officials collected six milk samples on July 6. An FDA Laboratory, Mumbai report dated September 28 found all six samples positive for detergent.
A supplementary report further detected Alphox-200 Ethoxylate, identified chemically as Nonylphenol Ethoxylate, in all six samples. The samples also had fat and SNF values below the prescribed standards. The findings were forwarded to police for further investigation.
Atharva Milk sample declared unsafe for consumption
On the same day, FDA officials inspected Atharva Milk and Milk Product Industries at Shirve, Pargaon, Taluka Ambegaon.
A sample of pasteurised cow milk recorded 2.5 per cent fat and 6.39 per cent SNF, with detergent detected. The sample was declared non-conforming to standards and unsafe for human consumption.
A supplementary analysis also detected Alphox-200 Ethoxylate, or Nonylphenol Ethoxylate, in the retained sample.
The investigation has so far identified 37 accused persons in Crime No. 215/2026.
According to the FDA, the alleged network includes suppliers of Whey and Whey Permeate Powder, suppliers of industrial chemicals including Nonylphenol Ethoxylate, transporters, milk collection and chilling centres, and dairy operators.
The alleged mastermind, Sushant Babanrao Hinge, along with major adulterant and chemical suppliers, is among those arrested.
Of the 37 accused, 25 have been arrested and charge-sheeted before the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Ghodegaon. The remaining 12 have been granted anticipatory bail, while the investigation continues.
The FDA has also directed the suspension of licences or registrations, or closure of business, for 26 food establishments connected with the case. Investigators have additionally identified large financial transactions and digital evidence allegedly linked to the supply of adulterants, with a separate financial investigation underway.
One of the key developments in the probe is the alleged supply chain through which adulterated milk reached Sonai Dairy in Indapur.
A second alleged route has also emerged.
The FDA said Ananda Maruti Pawar, associated with Awaja Milk Collection Centre in Holewadi, Khed, was in contact with Hinge and allegedly prepared adulterated milk before selling it directly to Sonai Dairy.
The findings therefore indicate two separate alleged routes through which adulterated milk reached the dairy.
The investigation subsequently expanded to Malshiras in Solapur district, where two separate cases were registered following inspections and laboratory testing.
At Mahalakshmi Milk and Milk Products, Pilliw, officials found cow milk containing 2.7 per cent fat against the required 3.2 per cent and 7.04 per cent SNF against the required 8.3 per cent. The sample also tested positive for detergent and was declared unsafe for human consumption.
Because the milk was perishable and could not be safely maintained at the required temperature, authorities destroyed 7,634 litres of milk worth Rs 3,05,360 on the spot.
The investigation also found that milk collected and chilled at the unit was being supplied through Yogininatha Milk Suppliers in tanker MH-43-BP-9597 to Sonai Dairy.
A separate inspection was conducted at Dailywish Agro Dairy Product Pvt. Ltd., Pilliw, on July 5, 2026.
Two cow milk samples were collected. One sample recorded 2.5 per cent fat against the required 3.2 per cent and 7.28 per cent SNF against the required 8.3 per cent and tested positive for detergent.
The sample was declared unsafe, following which authorities destroyed 9,096 litres of milk valued at Rs 3,63,840.
Crime No. 0486/2026 was subsequently registered at Malshiras Police Station on October 1, 2026.
Combined, the two Malshiras operations resulted in the destruction of 16,730 litres of milk worth approximately Rs 6.69 lakh.
The Maharashtra FDA has stressed that the investigation is not restricted to a single dairy or processing facility.
Officials are examining suppliers of Whey and Whey Permeate Powder, chemical and emulsifier suppliers, storage facilities, milk collection and chilling centres and other establishments suspected of being part of the network.
Investigators have also obtained information on large-scale financial transactions between 2024 and June 2026, along with digital evidence that could help establish the movement of adulterants and adulterated milk.
The FDA has warned that strict action will continue against those who compromise public health for financial gain.
The department highlighted the importance of milk in the daily diet of infants, senior citizens, patients and the general public and said it would continue monitoring milk collection and chilling centres, dairies and processing industries across Maharashtra.
The agency is also keeping watch on the supply chains of substances that could potentially be used for milk adulteration.
