The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has uncovered an organised milk adulteration network in Pune district, with laboratory tests detecting detergent and Nonylphenol Ethoxylate in milk samples. The action highlights continuing concerns over milk safety and the need for stronger monitoring across India’s dairy supply chain.
The investigation was launched under a special campaign targeting milk and milk-product adulteration after the FDA received confidential information about the alleged supply and use of substances for preparing synthetic or adulterated milk in the Manchar area of Pune district.
Investigation Traces Adulteration Across the Dairy Supply Chain
On July 4, a joint team of the Maharashtra FDA and Pune Rural Police’s Local Crime Branch raided M/s Navkar Distributors in Bhoramala, Avasari Khurd, in Ambegaon taluka.
Officials seized whey powder, whey permeate powder, detergent, emulsifier and other substances suspected of being used in milk adulteration. Samples and stocks bearing names including Sonai, Mlekpol, Prabhat Dairy, Milky Mist, Paras and Govardhan were also collected during the investigation.
A case, Crime No. 215/2026, was subsequently registered at Manchar Police Station.
According to the FDA, questioning of the main accused revealed an alleged method for artificially adjusting the composition of milk. Skimmed milk powder was reportedly used to increase solids-not-fat (SNF), while whey powder was used to increase protein-related components. Edible oil was allegedly used to raise fat content, with emulsifiers and detergent helping different components mix together.
The investigation was subsequently expanded to suppliers and stockists of these substances, as well as milk collection centres, chilling facilities and other establishments involved in the dairy supply chain.
Detergent and Nonylphenol Ethoxylate Detected in Milk
A significant development came from laboratory analysis of an emulsifier sample collected during the investigation. The FDA laboratory detected Nonylphenol Ethoxylate in the sample.
The chemical was subsequently detected in milk samples collected from another dairy establishment in Manchar.
On July 6, officials inspected M/s Akash Dairy Farm in Manchar, Ambegaon, where milk supplied by M/s Pirsai Milk and Milk Product and other dairies was allegedly being packed and sold.
Six milk samples were collected and sent for laboratory testing. According to the FDA laboratory report dated September 28, all six samples tested positive for detergent. A supplementary report also detected Alphox-200 Ethoxylate, identified as Nonylphenol Ethoxylate, in all six samples.
The samples were additionally found to have fat and SNF levels below prescribed standards, according to the FDA.
Probe Extends to Processing and Collection Centres
The investigation has now moved further upstream to trace the source and movement of the adulterated milk.
According to the FDA, the adulterated milk was prima facie linked to M/s Indapur Dairy and Milk Products Ltd, also known as Sonai Dairy, located at Gokhali in Indapur. Investigators are examining the supply chain connecting suppliers of suspected adulterants with milk collection, chilling and processing facilities.
The FDA has also registered two additional cases in Malshiras as part of the broader enforcement campaign.
Overall, 16,730 litres of milk valued at approximately ₹6.69 lakh were destroyed during the action.
The case underlines the importance of traceability and quality control at every stage of dairy production. While processing plants are an important control point, adulteration risks can emerge earlier through milk collection, transportation, chilling and the addition of unauthorised substances.
The Maharashtra FDA said its investigation remains ongoing and is aimed at identifying all individuals and establishments involved in the alleged network.
For India’s dairy industry, the action reinforces the need for stronger testing, supply-chain traceability and regular surveillance of milk and milk products. Ensuring that milk meets prescribed fat, SNF and safety standards remains critical for protecting consumers and maintaining confidence in the organised dairy sector.
