A Maharashtra-wide investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has uncovered a massive adulteration racket, detecting detergent and Nonylphenol Ethoxylate — an industrial chemical — in milk samples. The probe spans the entire supply chain, including adulterant suppliers, collection centres, transport tankers and processing dairies.

Toxic mix

The inquiry revealed that skimmed milk powder, whey powder, edible oil, emulsifiers, and detergent or shampoo-like substances were used to manufacture synthetic milk. While powder and oils raised solids-not-fat (SNF) and fat values, detergents and emulsifiers were blended to bind the ingredients.