Maharashtra FDA Destroys 37,532 Litres Of Adulterated Milk During Statewide Inspections
FDA destroys adulterated milk during statewide enforcement drive.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized and destroyed 37,532 litres of allegedly adulterated milk during a surprise inspection at a dairy unit in Maharashtra's Solapur district. The action was taken after officials conducted a raid at Ajinkyarana Milk Industries in Burungewadi village of Sangola taluka, where preliminary tests indicated that the milk did not meet prescribed food safety standards.
According to the FDA, the raid was carried out based on confidential information received by its Solapur office regarding suspected food safety violations at the facility. During the inspection, officials conducted on-the-spot quality tests, which allegedly found that the milk had been diluted with water. As a result, the Solids-Not-Fat (SNF) content was found to be below the minimum standards prescribed under food safety regulations.
Following the inspection, the FDA collected four samples of the milk for detailed laboratory analysis to confirm the findings. Meanwhile, authorities seized a total of 37,532 litres of milk valued at approximately Rs 15.01 lakh. Since milk is a highly perishable commodity and cannot be stored for long periods, the seized stock was destroyed at the site in accordance with government procedures governing such enforcement actions.
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The inspection also uncovered multiple regulatory violations beyond the alleged adulteration. Officials found that the milk collection and chilling centre was operating without a valid food licence, making its operations unauthorised under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Investigators further alleged that the unit had failed to maintain proper records related to milk procurement, transportation and sales, hampering traceability and regulatory oversight.
In addition, the FDA said the establishment had not complied with mandatory hygiene and sanitation requirements prescribed under Schedule-4 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations. These standards cover cleanliness, equipment maintenance, storage conditions, employee hygiene and other measures intended to ensure that food products remain safe for public consumption.
Based on these findings, the FDA issued an immediate closure order, directing the dairy unit to cease all operations until it obtains a valid food licence and rectifies the deficiencies identified during the inspection. Authorities said the establishment would not be permitted to resume business unless it complies fully with statutory licensing and food safety requirements.
The FDA reiterated that food adulteration poses serious risks to public health and said strict action would continue against individuals and businesses found violating food safety laws. Officials also urged consumers to purchase milk and dairy products only from licensed and authorised suppliers, while encouraging the public to report suspected cases of adulteration to the authorities.
The laboratory examination of the collected samples will determine whether further legal action is warranted. If the allegations are confirmed through scientific analysis, the dairy operator could face prosecution under the Food Safety and Standards Act, along with other penalties prescribed under applicable laws. The latest operation forms part of the FDA's broader efforts to strengthen food quality enforcement and protect consumers from unsafe and adulterated food products.
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