India: Factory busted in Gujarat for producing milk from toxic chemicals

Authorities in Gujarat have uncovered a shocking case of food adulteration, where a factory near Salal village in Prantij taluka was found producing fake milk using toxic chemicals.

For nearly five years, villagers in Sabarkantha and Mehsana districts unknowingly consumed milk and buttermilk laced with detergent powder, urea, caustic soda, and refined oils.

The unit, operating under the name Shree Satya Dairy Products, was raided by the Local Crime Branch (LCB), leading to the arrest of five individuals, including a juvenile.

Investigations revealed that the factory used just 300 litres of genuine milk to manufacture up to 1,800 litres of adulterated milk daily.

This was achieved by mixing water, milk powder, whey powder, palmolein oil, soybean oil, detergent, and urea fertiliser.

The fake milk was then packed in pouches and distributed across rural areas, putting the health of hundreds of unsuspecting villagers at serious risk.

Police seized adulteration materials worth ₹71 lakh, including large quantities of milk powder and chemicals.

The racket thrived for years, exploiting the trust of rural communities who relied heavily on local dairy supplies.

The adulterated products were consumed widely, with villagers unaware of the dangers posed by the toxic mixture.

Officials described the operation as one of the most disturbing cases of food fraud in recent times, highlighting how deeply it infiltrated everyday consumption in the region.

This bust underscores the urgent need for stricter monitoring of food production and distribution chains in India.

The incident has sparked outrage and concern among consumers, while authorities have vowed to intensify inspections to prevent similar rackets.