Milk Adulteration Crackdown: Maharashtra FDA Warns of Rs 10 Lakh Fine, Strict Action Against Violators
Pune, 23rd July 2026: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified its crackdown on milk adulteration, warning that vendors found adulterating milk or handling it under unhygienic conditions could face penalties of up to ₹10 lakh, along with stringent legal action.
The drive is being carried out under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, following revised guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to ensure milk quality and curb adulteration.
According to the FDA, milk samples will be tested for common adulterants such as water, urea, detergent, caustic soda, starch and formalin, which are often added to increase the quantity or alter the consistency of milk. Authorities will also screen samples for synthetic milk, antibiotic residues resulting from veterinary treatment, and harmful microbial contamination.
Under the regulations, all milk sellers—from small vendors to large dairies—must obtain an FSSAI registration or licence. Containers used to sell loose milk must prominently display the warning: “Raw milk – Boil before consumption.” Processed milk, meanwhile, must be sold only in sealed packets.
The guidelines also require dairy operators to maintain the prescribed temperature throughout the collection, storage and distribution process to ensure food safety and preserve milk quality.
Digambar Bhogawade, Joint Commissioner, FDA Food Department, said Maharashtra is implementing the Centre’s food safety regulations and taking action based on complaints received. He added that the FDA is also scrutinising the documents of several dairy companies as part of its ongoing enforcement drive.
