Sabarkantha, Gujarat: Authorities in India’s Gujarat state have uncovered a shocking case of food adulteration after busting a factory allegedly producing toxic fake milk using detergent, urea, and other chemicals. Five people have been arrested, while the main owner of the facility remains absconding.
The raid was conducted in the Salal area of Prantij taluka in Sabarkantha district, where a unit operating under the name Shri Satya Dairy Products was allegedly manufacturing and distributing adulterated milk on a large scale.
Chemicals Used to Imitate Milk
According to police officials, the factory was producing artificial milk by mixing milk powder with cosmetic soda, palmolin oil, detergent powder, and urea fertilizer—a combination that poses serious health risks.
Acting on a tip-off, the Local Crime Branch (LCB), along with officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team, conducted a raid at the premises. During the operation, investigators seized suspicious raw materials and finished products confirming the use of harmful chemicals.
Authorities said goods and materials worth more than ₹71 lakh (over $850,000) were seized from the factory.
Fake Milk Sold in Rural Areas
Police revealed that the adulterated milk was packaged in pouches branded as Satya Dairy Products and sold across nearby villages. The milk was also transported to remote rural areas, making detection difficult.
Investigators further discovered that the transport vehicle used for distribution was fitted with a fake registration number plate, indicating a deliberate attempt to evade law enforcement.
Factory Owner Absconds
While five individuals—including factory workers and one minor—have been taken into custody, the main accused and factory owner Rakesh Patel has fled. Police said efforts are underway to trace and arrest him.
Those arrested include:
- Jitendrakumar Vitthalbhai Patel, plant operator
- Sachinkumar Ramanji Makwana, employee
- Karankumar Kalaji Parmar, employee
- Ajaysingh Ramsingh Parmar, employee
- One minor worker
Further investigation is ongoing to determine the scale of distribution and whether similar networks are operating in other districts.
Serious Public Health Concern
Milk is considered a staple and nutritious food consumed daily by millions of people in India, especially children. Officials said incidents like this highlight how profit-driven adulteration can endanger public health.
This is the second such case reported in Sabarkantha district in recent months. Earlier, authorities had uncovered a similar fake milk operation in Singa village of Idar taluka.
Police said the Salal factory appeared to operate at a local level but warned that continued vigilance is necessary to prevent wider distribution.
Authorities have assured that strict legal action will be taken against all those involved and that food safety enforcement across the district will be intensified.