Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has traced an alleged milk adulteration supply chain to Indapur Dairy and Milk Products Ltd, popularly known as Sonai Dairy, in Pune district. The investigation is examining suspected links between milk suppliers, collection facilities and processing units as part of a wider crackdown on adulteration.
According to the FDA, milk delivery records and tanker challans have prima facie established a supply route involving accused persons, Mahalakshmi Milk and Milk Products and Yogininatha Milk Suppliers, leading to Sonai Dairy’s facility at Gokhali in Indapur. Investigators have also identified another route through which adulterated milk was allegedly prepared and supplied directly to the dairy.
The department said the investigation aims to trace the entire network, including suppliers of substances allegedly used in milk adulteration, storage facilities, milk collection and chilling centres, and processing units.
16,730 Litres of Milk Destroyed in Solapur District
The FDA reported two separate cases in Malshiras, Solapur district, during the enforcement drive.
At Mahalakshmi Milk and Milk Products in Piliv, a milk sample was found to contain detergent, while fat and milk solids-not-fat (SNF) levels were below prescribed limits. Authorities destroyed 7,634 litres of milk valued at approximately ₹3.05 lakh.
The FDA said milk collected at the facility was allegedly supplied to Sonai Dairy through Yogininatha Milk Suppliers. An FIR was registered against persons concerned in the case, according to media reports.
In a separate case, 9,096 litres of milk worth approximately ₹3.64 lakh were destroyed at Dailywish Agro Dairy Product Pvt. Ltd. in Piliv after samples were declared unsafe for human consumption following the detection of detergent and substandard fat and SNF levels.
Across the two cases, the total quantity of milk destroyed was 16,730 litres, valued at approximately ₹6.69 lakh.
Laboratory Tests Detect Detergent and Chemical in Milk Samples
The wider investigation began in Manchar, Pune district, following information about the alleged supply and use of substances for preparing adulterated or synthetic milk.
During raids and subsequent laboratory testing, the FDA and Pune Rural Police identified suspected use of skimmed milk powder, whey powder, edible oil, emulsifiers and detergent in the alleged adulteration process.
The FDA reported that all six milk samples collected from Akash Dairy Farm in Manchar tested positive for detergent. Supplementary laboratory reports also detected Nonylphenol Ethoxylate, identified in the investigation as Alphox-200 Ethoxylate, in the samples.
The samples were also reported to have fat and SNF levels below prescribed standards.
37 Accused Identified in Wider Investigation
According to the FDA, 37 accused persons had been identified in the Manchar case. Of these, 25 had been arrested and a charge sheet filed, while 12 had obtained anticipatory bail.
Authorities also issued directions for the suspension of licences or registrations, or closure of 26 food establishments allegedly linked to the network.
The investigation is examining the roles of suppliers and stockists of whey and skimmed milk powders, emulsifiers and chemicals, as well as facilities involved in storage, milk collection, chilling and processing. Investigators are also reviewing financial transactions and digital evidence dating from 2024 to June 2026 to establish the extent of the network.
The FDA said surveillance had been intensified at milk collection centres, chilling facilities, dairies and processing units across Maharashtra.
The case highlights the importance of traceability, reliable milk testing, supplier verification and documented transport records across the dairy supply chain. It also underscores the need to investigate suspected adulteration from the source of unauthorised substances through procurement and processing.
The investigation remains ongoing. Alleged supply links and the involvement of businesses or individuals should not be treated as final findings of guilt before the legal process is completed.
Source: Dairynews7x7 09 Oct, 2026 Read full story here
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