Detergent Found in Milk Samples As FDA Cracks Down on Milk Adulteration in Pune District, 25 Arrested
Pune, 8th October 2026: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a major crackdown on milk adulteration in Pune district, uncovering the use of detergent and nonylphenol ethoxylate chemicals in milk.
The action began in Manchar, where the FDA traced the entire supply chain involved in producing and distributing adulterated milk—from suppliers of adulterants and milk collection centres to chilling facilities and processing dairies.
So far, the investigation has identified 37 accused, of whom 25 have been arrested, according to the FDA.
During the operation in Manchar, officials seized whey powder used to increase the milk’s solids, detergent and other substances used to stabilise the adulterated mixture. The FDA collected six milk samples from Akash Dairy Farm for testing, and all six were found to contain detergent, officials said.
The investigation has also covered alleged adulterant suppliers, transporters, persons associated with milk collection and chilling centres, and dairy operators.
The establishments inspected during the crackdown include Navkar Distributors in Bhoramal, Ambegaon; Akash Dairy Farm in Manchar; Pirsai Milk and Milk Powder; Atharva Milk and Milk Product Industries at Shirve in Ambegaon; and Sonai Dairy at Gokhali in Indapur.
The FDA has ordered the suspension of licences or registrations of 26 food establishments or directed that their operations be shut down. Action has also been taken against establishments in Indapur and Malshiras.
“Maharashtra is extremely strict about food quality and enforcement of the law. Playing with the health of consumers and the public will not be tolerated. Strict action against establishments selling or storing expired, adulterated or food products prepared in unhygienic and unsafe conditions will continue,” said Tukaram Mundhe, commissioner, FDA.
