11 August,2026 09:41 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Deputy CM Shinde directed officials to explore action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act against food adulterators to create a strong deterrent. Pic/Eknath Shinde`s office
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed authorities to take stringent action under organised crime laws against those involved in adulterating milk, paneer and other food products, saying such offences pose a serious threat to public health, an official statement said.
Shinde issued the directions during a meeting at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai on Monday while reviewing the Food and Drug Administration's work and targets under the Viksit Maharashtra 2047 initiative for 2026-27.
During a presentation by the Food and Drug Administration, Shinde said food adulteration should not be treated as a routine offence as it directly puts people's health and lives at risk.
He particularly expressed concern over adulterated milk and fake paneer, which are widely consumed by children.
"Food adulteration is not merely an ordinary crime, but an act that directly plays with people's lives," Shinde said, according to the statement issued by his office.
He called for strict action against those involved in such activities and said there should be no leniency towards repeat or organised offenders.
Shinde directed officials to explore action under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against food adulterators to create a strong deterrent.
He also called for non-bailable offences to be registered in such cases, stating that the legal process should be strengthened to prevent offenders from exploiting loopholes.
The Deputy Chief Minister also directed officials to strengthen the legal proceedings in food adulteration cases.
He said there should be no legal shortcomings in cases that reach court and suggested taking the assistance of experienced and senior legal experts.
Shinde directed the authorities to form a special legal team immediately to help ensure that cases against food adulterators are properly pursued in court.
Health Minister Prakash Abitkar, Minister of State for Law and Judiciary Ashish Jaiswal, Minister of State for Home, Food and Drug Administration Yogesh Kadam, Additional Chief Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister Asim Gupta, Principal Secretary Navin Sona, Law and Judiciary Department Secretary Uday Shukla and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe were among the senior officials present at the meeting.
