Maharashtra FDA Destroys ₹43 Lakh Worth Of Adulterated Dairy Products

In a major crackdown on milk adulteration, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has destroyed 24,632 litres of suspected adulterated or substandard milk and 14,064 kg of dairy products worth ₹43.31 lakh. The action was taken during a special enforcement drive conducted on July 6 and 7 across five locations in the state.

The inspections led to criminal cases being filed against those allegedly involved in milk adulteration under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. One of the biggest actions was carried out at the Nilkantheshwar Milk Collection and Chilling Centre in Latur district, where FDA officials found whey permeate powder being used to adulterate milk. Authorities destroyed 1,425 kg of whey permeate powder and 7,500 litres of milk, valued at over ₹5 lakh.

Preliminary investigations revealed that milk from the centre was being supplied to dairies in Hyderabad, and criminal proceedings have been initiated against the owner, employees, and the supplier of the whey permeate powder. In Nashik's Sinnar taluka, FDA officials seized 8,392 kg of dairy powders worth ₹17.37 lakh from an unlicensed warehouse allegedly supplying milk vendors and milk collection centres.

The seized stock included various types of skimmed milk powder and whey permeate powder. Since the operator failed to produce the mandatory food licence and purchase records, an FIR has been registered. Similar actions were taken in Pune and Solapur districts, where FDA officials seized pasteurised cooking butter and skimmed milk powder from a dairy unit.

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the special statewide inspection drive would continue to protect public health and ensure compliance with food safety laws. He warned that stringent legal action would be taken against any food business operator found involved in milk adulteration or other food safety violations. The drive is part of the department's ongoing campaign to curb food adulteration and ensure the availability of safe and quality dairy products.

The destruction of adulterated milk and dairy products is a significant step towards ensuring the health and safety of consumers in Maharashtra. The FDA's crackdown on milk adulteration is expected to have a positive impact on the dairy industry, promoting fair trade practices and protecting the interests of genuine milk producers and consumers. With the FDA's continued efforts to monitor and regulate the dairy industry, consumers can expect to have access to safer and more reliable dairy products in the future.

The Maharashtra FDA's actions serve as a warning to those involved in milk adulteration, emphasizing the importance of complying with food safety laws and regulations. As the drive continues, the FDA is likely to take further action against those found guilty of milk adulteration, ensuring that the dairy industry in Maharashtra operates with integrity and transparency.