Stricter Action Against Milk Adulteration Under MCOCA: Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

Orders Establishment of Testing Labs in Every Division

Increased Funding for Advanced Technology and Equipment

Mumbai – Milk and food adulteration is a serious issue that endangers public health and will not be tolerated. To curb this, the government will amend existing laws to enforce stringent action under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) against those involved in milk adulteration. A proposal regarding this will be presented to the state cabinet, directed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

A meeting, chaired by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, was held at Vidhan Bhavan following discussions in the Legislative Assembly regarding the sale of analog cheese as paneer and a milk adulteration case in Bhoshe, Pandharpur, Solapur district.

The meeting was attended by Food & Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal, Minister of State Yogesh Kadam, MLAs Sudhir Mungantiwar, Vikram Pachpute, Abhijit Patil, and Kailas Patil, along with senior officials from the Food & Drug Administration, Medical Education, Home, and Finance & Planning departments. The Solapur District Collector and Superintendent of Police (Rural) participated via video conferencing.

Key Directives by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar

• Immediate establishment of testing laboratories in every division to detect milk adulteration.
• Mandatory labeling in stores if paneer contains analog cheese.
• Public awareness campaigns on milk adulteration.
• Activation of a toll-free helpline and online portal for public complaints.

Boosting Technological Capabilities

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) will receive additional funds to procure advanced testing technology and equipment. To address manpower shortages, officers and staff from the Dairy Department will be deployed and trained accordingly.

Strict Action Against Solapur Milk Adulteration Case

Deputy CM Pawar directed the Solapur District Collector and Superintendent of Police (Rural) to swiftly arrest and take strict action against all accused, regardless of their political affiliation or influence.

This move aims to strengthen food safety regulations and protect public health from the dangers of adulterated milk and dairy products.