Police in the eastern Indian city of Cuttack have dismantled a large-scale illegal facility engaged in producing and distributing synthetic milk, a significant public health concern. Authorities arrested one individual during the raid but have launched a manhunt for the suspected mastermind of the operation, which used a dangerous cocktail of chemicals to manufacture the counterfeit product.
The Raid and Seizures
Acting on a credible tip-off, a special team from the Jagatpur Police conducted a raid on a premises in the Manguli area of Cuttack on Tuesday. Inside, they discovered a sophisticated operation designed for large-scale synthetic milk production.
Cuttack’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Pinak Mishra, informed reporters that the unit was supplying the fake milk to various sweet shops and tea stalls across the city and surrounding areas. “The preliminary investigation suggests this unit was producing a substantial quantity of adulterated milk daily,” Mishra stated in a press briefing. “We have seized all the materials and are sending samples for forensic examination to determine the exact chemical composition.”
During the operation, police seized a significant cache of materials, including:
- Approximately 500 liters of counterfeit milk.
- Large quantities of refined palm oil, glucose powder, and caustic soda.
- Empty pouches and packaging materials bearing the logo of OMFED (The Odisha State Co-operative Milk Producers’ Federation), a popular local dairy brand.
- Blenders, containers, and other equipment used in the manufacturing process.
The arrested individual has been identified as an employee of the unit, while the search continues for the owner and main operator, who managed to flee before the police arrived.
A Wider Public Health Concern
The bust of the adulterated milk unit in Cuttack highlights a persistent and dangerous problem across India. Food safety experts warn that synthetic milk is often made by mixing water with substances like urea, detergent, caustic soda, and white paint to imitate the color, consistency, and fat content of real milk.
Consuming such concoctions poses severe health risks. According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), adulterants like caustic soda can cause serious gastrointestinal complications and damage the digestive tract, while other chemicals can lead to heart ailments, kidney failure, and cancer over the long term.
“This is not just a matter of economic fraud; it is a direct assault on public health,” said Dr. Sunita Narain, a prominent environmentalist and food safety advocate with the Centre for Science and Environment in New Delhi. “These chemicals are industrial-grade and are not meant for human consumption. The impact is particularly devastating for children, who are major consumers of milk.”
Investigation and Legal Framework
The ongoing investigation is focused on two main tracks: locating the primary accused and tracing the entire supply chain. Police are interrogating the arrested individual to uncover the network of distributors and the shops that were knowingly or unknowingly purchasing the adulterated product.
Under India’s Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, individuals involved in food adulteration that renders food unsafe can face stringent penalties, including fines and imprisonment for a term that may extend to life, depending on the severity of the harm caused.
The seizure of counterfeit OMFED packaging is particularly concerning for authorities, as it shows a deliberate attempt to deceive consumers by piggybacking on the reputation of a trusted brand. An OMFED spokesperson stated they are cooperating fully with the police investigation and urged consumers to purchase their products only from authorized retailers.
The police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Food Safety and Standards Act. Officials have assured the public that they are committed to dismantling the entire network. “We will ensure that all individuals involved in this dangerous trade are brought to justice,” DCP Mishra added. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges regulators face in ensuring food safety in a vast and complex market.
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FAQs
1. What exactly is synthetic or adulterated milk?
Synthetic milk is a counterfeit product made to look like real milk. It is typically created by mixing a base of water with substances like vegetable oil, detergent, urea, caustic soda, sugar, and salt to match the consistency, taste, and fat content of natural milk.
2. What are the immediate health risks of consuming it?
Immediate symptoms can include severe gastroenteritis, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. The presence of chemicals like caustic soda can cause burning sensations and damage to the digestive lining.
3. How can consumers spot adulterated milk?
While laboratory testing is the only definitive method, some simple home tests can indicate adulteration. Synthetic milk often feels soapy when rubbed between the fingers, turns yellowish when heated, and may have a bitter or chemical aftertaste. Consumers are advised to buy milk from trusted brands and licensed vendors.
