Gujarat, February 8, 2026: Law enforcement authorities in Gujarat have uncovered a large-scale milk adulteration operation in Sabarkantha district, revealing the illegal manufacture and sale of synthetic milk and buttermilk for nearly five years. The operation was detected during a joint raid conducted by the Sabarkantha Local Crime Branch and food safety officials near Salal village in Prantij taluka. Several individuals were taken into custody, and contaminated dairy products were seized and destroyed.
Investigators discovered that the factory was producing counterfeit milk by mixing a small quantity of real milk with water and industrial substances. These included detergent powder, urea fertilizer, caustic soda, skimmed milk powder, whey powder, and refined vegetable oils, the Times of India reported.
Officials reported that around 300 liters of genuine milk were used daily to generate up to 1,800 liters of adulterated milk and buttermilk.
The products were packaged in pouches and supplied to nearby rural markets in Sabarkantha and Mehsana districts. During the raid, authorities seized nearly 2,000 liters of adulterated milk, over 1,100 liters of buttermilk, and large quantities of raw adulterants. The facility was sealed immediately.
Four adult workers were arrested at the site, while a juvenile involved in the operation was detained. The factory owner was reported to be absconding at the time of the investigation. Police registered a case under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Further investigation is ongoing to trace distribution networks and suppliers.
The raid occurred in early February 2026 at an industrial unit located near Salal village in Prantij taluka, Sabarkantha district, Gujarat. Preliminary findings indicate that the factory had been operating since around 2021, supplying adulterated dairy products for several years without detection.
Milk is a primary source of protein, calcium, and essential micronutrients, particularly for children and older adults. The addition of detergent can irritate the gastrointestinal lining, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Urea ingestion in excess amounts may strain kidney function and disrupt metabolic balance. Caustic soda, a strong alkali, can cause chemical injury to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract.1
Regular consumption of such adulterated products increases the risk of long-term gastrointestinal disorders and systemic toxicity, especially in vulnerable populations.
According to investigators, adulterants were deliberately chosen to mimic the physical properties of real milk. Detergents created foam, vegetable oils simulated fat content, and urea helped falsify protein levels during basic quality checks. Milk powders were added to improve color and thickness, allowing the product to pass superficial inspections.
Following the discovery, food safety authorities destroyed contaminated products on site and initiated expanded surveillance of dairy supply chains in the region. Officials have advised consumers to purchase milk only from licensed vendors and to report suspiciously cheap or unlabelled dairy products.
The case highlights the need for stronger monitoring, routine laboratory testing, and public awareness to protect food safety and public health.
1. Choudhary, Madhu, and Nitin Sharma. “Milk Adulterants: Serious Impact on Human Health.” Journal of Medical Evidence 5, no. 2 (April–June 2024): 124–128. DOI: 10.4103/JME.JME_145_23
2. Times of India Staff. “Factory Making Milk from Detergent, Urea Busted near Prantij.” The Times of India, February 2026.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/factory-making-milk-from-detergent-urea-busted-near-prantij/articleshow/127996383.cms
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