Authorities in Gujarat have intensified action against milk adulteration after the Sabarkantha police arrested the alleged kingpin of a spurious milk racket operating near Palanpur. The crackdown highlights growing concerns over food safety, consumer health and regulatory enforcement in India’s informal dairy supply chain.
According to officials, the accused was running an illegal unit involved in the manufacture and distribution of synthetic milk, allegedly using chemicals and adulterants to mimic natural milk. Acting on specific intelligence, teams from Sabarkantha Police conducted a raid, seizing adulterated milk, raw materials and equipment used in the operation.
Investigators believe the racket catered to local markets and roadside vendors, supplying low-cost milk substitutes that were passed off as genuine dairy products. The scale of the operation has raised alarms about the ease with which adulterated milk can enter consumption channels, particularly in price-sensitive urban and semi-urban areas.
Food safety officials have sent samples for laboratory analysis to determine the exact composition of the seized products. If confirmed as synthetic or hazardous, the accused could face stringent action under food safety and criminal laws. Officials also indicated that further arrests are possible as the investigation expands to identify suppliers and distribution networks.
The case underlines a wider structural challenge facing India’s dairy sector. While organised dairies invest heavily in quality control and traceability, unregulated operators continue to exploit demand-supply gaps, especially in regions with weak monitoring. Experts warn that such practices not only endanger public health but also erode consumer trust in milk, a staple food.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to sustained enforcement drives, urging consumers to purchase milk only from authorised sources and cooperatives.
