Navi Mumbai: 15 Accused in Milk Adulteration Racket

Navi Mumbai's Mahape MIDC area has been rocked by a major milk adulteration racket, with an FIR registered against 15 individuals and dairy establishments. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized 4,710 litres of adulterated and suspected milk, along with skimmed milk powder, paneer, and cream worth several lakhs of rupees.

The FIR was registered at Turbhe police station on August 22, following an FDA raid at P.K. Dairy in Mahape on August 19. The raid revealed that milk was being adulterated by mixing skimmed milk powder and chilled water into an Eicher milk tanker. The operation was allegedly being carried out in connivance with dairy owner Pradeep Kamlesh Yadav.

According to investigators, one kg of skimmed milk powder was being mixed with 8 to 10 litres of chilled water and homogenised using a plunger. The adulterated milk was allegedly supplied as pure cow and buffalo milk to dairies in Thane, Airoli, Kopri, Digha, and Ghansoli.

P.K. Dairy was found operating without a food safety licence and was immediately shut down. The FDA seized and destroyed 4,710 litres of adulterated and suspected milk valued at Rs 1.85 lakh. At P.K. Dairy alone, 761 litres of cow and buffalo milk worth Rs 40,558 was destroyed.

The FDA also seized 473 kg of skimmed milk powder worth Rs 1.60 lakh, 129.5 kg of paneer worth Rs 45,280, and 88.4 kg of cream worth Rs 30,940. Further action was taken against other suppliers, including Bhaskar Dairy in Mahape and Narayan Dairy in Rabale.

The accused named in the FIR include Shivendra Shyamlal Jaiswal, Pradeep Kamlesh Yadav, and Bhaskar Santu Pilani, besides several dairy establishments. The action was carried out under the directions of FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, with Joint Commissioner (Vigilance) Preeti Tipre and Thane Food Joint Commissioner Dr Sachin Jadhav supervising the operation.

The FDA has initiated the process of cancelling the food licences of the establishments named in the case. Citizens have been advised to immediately contact the administration's toll-free number if they suspect adulteration in any food product.

The crackdown on milk adulteration is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and quality of food products in Navi Mumbai. The FDA's actions demonstrate a commitment to protecting consumers from unscrupulous suppliers who prioritize profits over public health.

In the context of the larger food safety landscape in India, the Navi Mumbai milk adulteration racket highlights the need for continued vigilance and enforcement. The FDA's efforts to prevent adulteration and ensure compliance with food safety regulations are crucial to maintaining public trust in the food supply chain.

The significance of this case extends beyond Navi Mumbai, as it underscores the importance of food safety and quality control in the dairy industry. The FDA's actions serve as a reminder to consumers to be aware of the risks associated with adulterated food products and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

In conclusion, the Navi Mumbai milk adulteration racket is a stark reminder of the need for continued efforts to ensure food safety and quality in India. The FDA's crackdown on adulteration is a positive step towards protecting consumers and maintaining public trust in the food supply chain.