The Maharashtra government has launched a comprehensive crackdown on milk adulteration, synthetic milk production and food safety violations, introducing a stricter compliance framework covering every stage of the dairy supply chain across the state.

The new order, issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mandates uniform food safety standards for milk collection centres, chilling facilities, dairies, processing units, transporters, distributors and retailers. The move follows repeated instances of adulteration and regulatory violations detected during inspections in different parts of Maharashtra.

Government Adopts Zero-Tolerance Approach

Announcing the new measures, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the state would adopt a zero-tolerance stance towards milk adulteration and ensure stricter monitoring throughout the dairy sector.

“Maharashtra will not tolerate adulteration in milk and dairy products. Every stakeholder in the supply chain will be required to comply with food safety regulations, and violations will invite administrative, civil and criminal action,” Mundhe said.

According to the FDA, recent inspections have revealed several irregularities, including the sale of milk without licences, dilution with water and non-compliance with prescribed fat and solids-not-fat (SNF) standards.

Authorities also detected instances of synthetic milk production using substances such as urea, detergents, caustic soda, starch, glucose, hydrogen peroxide and formalin. Officials said such practices pose significant risks to public health and violate food safety regulations.

Multiple Violations Detected During Inspections

The FDA said inspections uncovered cases in which fake or reconstituted milk was allegedly sold as fresh milk. Officials also reported excessive antibiotic residues and aflatoxin contamination in some dairy products.

Investigators further identified failures in maintaining the cold chain during storage and transportation, mixing of old milk with fresh stock and unhygienic handling of milk and dairy products.

The department said these findings highlighted the need for stronger regulatory oversight and stricter enforcement measures throughout the supply chain.

New Compliance Requirements For Dairy Businesses

Under the revised guidelines, raw milk can only be sold under prescribed conditions and every container must be clearly labelled as “Raw Milk”. Consumers must also be informed that raw milk should be boiled before consumption.

Pasteurised milk will be permitted for sale only in sealed, labelled and tamper-evident packaging. Businesses involved in storage, transportation and handling will be required to use food-grade equipment.

The order also makes maintenance of the cold chain and temperature records mandatory across the supply chain. Dairy operators will be required to maintain traceability records that track milk from its source to the final point of sale.

In addition, employees handling food products must possess valid health certificates. Authorities said compliance with Food Safety Management System (FSMS) norms, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) protocols and Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) requirements will be closely monitored.

Enhanced Festival Surveillance Planned

The FDA has announced intensified inspections during major festivals, including Diwali, Holi, Ganeshotsav, Navratri and Raksha Bandhan, when demand for dairy products typically rises.

Special inspection drives will target products such as khoya, paneer, ghee, sweets and other milk-based items. Officials said risk-based inspections, sample collection and laboratory testing would be used to identify adulteration and food safety violations.

The department has urged consumers to purchase only sealed and properly labelled milk and dairy products. Citizens have also been encouraged to report suspected adulteration, quality concerns, mislabelling or other violations to food safety authorities or through the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) grievance mechanism.

Officials warned that violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, could result in stringent administrative, civil and criminal penalties, underscoring the government’s resolve to improve food safety standards and protect consumers across Maharashtra.

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