FDA Busts Synthetic Milk Racket in Thane and Other Maharashtra Districts
On July 6, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Pune Rural Police's Local Crime Branch busted a massive organized synthetic milk racket during simultaneous raids in Thane and several other districts across the state. The illicit network manufactured fake milk using a dangerous mixture of detergent, shampoo, palm oil, skimmed milk powder, whey powder, and emulsifiers.
The coordinated operation targeted 13 locations across Thane, Pune, Ahilyanagar, Solapur, and Jalna. Investigators focused on every link in the illegal supply chain, including chemical suppliers, milk collection centres, chilling plants, processing units, and distributors.
The crackdown resulted in the seizure of adulteration materials and assets valued at Rs 11.48 crore. Authorities destroyed nearly 20,000 litres of suspected synthetic milk and collected 49 samples for laboratory testing. Additionally, officials suspended five food business licences and closed down four establishments involved in the operation.
Criminal cases have been registered against 26 accused individuals, of whom 13 have been arrested. Investigators named Sushant Babanrao Hinge as the alleged kingpin of the network, while Sandeep Loba allegedly coordinated the operations.
According to the investigation, the suspects mixed water, skimmed milk powder, and whey or dairy permeate powder to mimic milk solids. They then added palm oil to replace natural milk fat, emulsifiers to stabilise the mixture, and detergent and shampoo to create the foamy appearance of fresh milk. This synthetic concoction was blended with genuine milk before being distributed to the market.
Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe stated that the operation dismantled the entire supply chain, from chemical suppliers to transporters and processing units. He added that the ongoing investigation will trace financial transactions and interstate links.
The arrested suspects have been remanded to police custody, and cases have been filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
