Maharashtra Milk Adulteration: Over 2 Crore Litres of Synthetic Milk Produced Using Detergent and Chemicals
An investigation by the Maharashtra Police and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) into a milk adulteration case in Bhoom taluka, Dharashiv district, has revealed that approximately 2.3 crore litres of synthetic milk were produced and supplied over the past six months. The synthetic milk was made using low-quality milk powder, detergent, palm oil, and chemical powders.
Analysis of seized sales registers showed that 2,30,470 kilograms of low-quality milk powder were used to prepare around 23,04,070 litres of synthetic milk, valued at approximately ₹9.21 crore. According to officials, the accused mixed 10 litres of synthetic milk into every 100 litres of pure milk, indicating a 10% adulteration rate. Based on this ratio, authorities suspect that over 2.3 crore litres of adulterated milk were supplied to various parts of Maharashtra from milk collection centres in the Bhoom area.
To make the synthetic milk appear authentic and maintain fat levels, the accused allegedly used detergent powder, palm oil, and low-quality chemical powder. Health experts warn that continuous consumption of such chemically-laden milk can cause severe damage to the liver, kidneys, and digestive system, posing life-threatening risks to children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
Police have registered a case against seven individuals under stringent sections of the Food Safety Act, but all accused remain at large eight days after the case was filed. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a police inspector has been formed to track down the absconding adulterators, and raids are ongoing at suspected hideouts.
Under the Food Safety Act, those found guilty of such adulteration face penalties including a fine of up to ₹10 lakh and life imprisonment. Police Inspector Shriganesh Kanagude of Bhum told NDTV that during the raid, officials seized 61 bags of adulterated milk powder. Preliminary investigations indicate that Balasaheb Godge was supplying the adulterated milk powder to several dairy units in the Bhum region. The probe also suggests involvement of multiple milk collection centres in the racket, which was operated under the guise of selling cattle feed. The Bhum taluka exports lakhs of litres of milk daily and produces 70 to 80 tonnes of khoya, making the case particularly significant.
