Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Maharashtra FDA Finds Detergent in Milk Samples; 25 Arrested
Food safety officials in Maharashtra are investigating an alleged scheme to make and sell adulterated milk.
They tested six samples from a dairy in Manchar, and all six contained detergent.
Further testing found another industrial chemical in those samples, and their fat and solids levels were below required standards.
A sample from another milk business also contained detergent and was declared unsafe to drink.
Officials say the substances may have been used to change the milk’s composition.
The investigation began after a raid in July and is still expanding.
Authorities have identified 37 people accused in the case, and 25 have been arrested.
In two cases in Solapur, officials destroyed 16,730 litres of milk.
FDA testing found detergent in all six milk samples collected from Akash Dairy Farm in Manchar.
Supplementary analysis detected Nonylphenol Ethoxylate in all six samples; fat and solids-not-fat levels were also below prescribed standards.
A sample from Atharva Milk and Milk Product Industries was also detergent-positive and declared unsafe for human consumption.
Investigators have identified 37 accused in the alleged racket, and 25 have been arrested.
The probe has traced an alleged supply chain and includes two Solapur cases in which 16,730 litres of milk were destroyed.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration and Pune Rural Police are investigating; 37 people have been identified as accused and 25 arrested.
- What
- An investigation into an alleged synthetic milk racket found detergent in six Manchar milk samples and another sample from a milk-products business.
- When
- The Manchar samples were collected on July 6; the FDA laboratory report was received on September 28. The article does not state the year.
- Where
- Manchar and Avasari Khurd in Pune district, with the investigation also involving other Maharashtra districts.
- Why
- Investigators allege that chemicals and milk derivatives were used to manipulate milk’s composition.
- Manchar samples
- All six samples collected at Akash Dairy Farm tested positive for detergent.
- Additional chemical
- All six samples also contained Alphox-200 Ethoxylate, identified as Nonylphenol Ethoxylate.
- Sample standards
- The Manchar samples had fat and solids-not-fat levels below prescribed standards.
- Accused and arrests
- 37 accused identified; 25 arrested.
- Earlier operation
- The July FDA and police operation seized material and assets worth Rs 11.48 crore and destroyed nearly 20,000 litres of suspected synthetic milk.
- Solapur cases
- Two detergent-positive cases led to the destruction of 16,730 litres of milk worth Rs 6.69 lakh.