Maharashtra food and drug administration conducted an investigation into a milk adulteration network in Pune (AI-generated image used for representational purposes)
Of them, 25 had been arrested and a charge sheet filed, while 12 had been granted anticipatory bail. Directions were also issued for suspension of licences or registrations, or closure of business, of 26 food establishments. The wider investigation began in Manchar in Pune district, where the FDA and police had unearthed a network allegedly using skimmed milk powder, whey powder, edible oil, emulsifiers and detergent to prepare adulterated milk.
The investigation is also examining large-scale financial transactions and digital evidence dating from 2024 to June 2026 to trace the complete supply chain.
The food and drug administrator said the investigation had identified the roles of suppliers of whey and skimmed milk powders, emulsifiers and chemicals, persons storing such substances, milk collection and chilling centres, and other establishments suspected of involvement in adulteration. The investigation is part of a special FDA campaign to trace the entire milk adulteration chain, including suppliers of substances used to prepare synthetic milk, their storage, milk collection and chilling centres, and processing units. PUNE: The Maharashtra food and drug administration (FDA) has prima facie established that adulterated milk was supplied to Indapur Dairy and Milk Products Ltd, popularly known as Sonai Dairy, as part of its investigation into an organised milk adulteration network, officials said on Wednesday.