Maharashtra FDA Seizes Illegal Oxytocin Stock in Ulhasnagar Dairy Crackdown

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in collaboration with local police authorities, has intensified its crackdown on illegal practices in the dairy sector by seizing 612 bottles of suspected oxytocin injections from a dairy farm in Ulhasnagar.

Authorities suspect that the banned hormone was being used to artificially increase milk production in buffaloes, raising concerns over animal welfare and food safety.

🚨 Major Seizure During Joint Raid

Acting on specific intelligence, officials conducted a raid on Prakash Tabela in Ulhasnagar on July 16.

During the operation, authorities discovered:

💉 600 unlabelled 100-ml bottles of suspected oxytocin
💉 12 additional filled bottles
🧪 Used syringes and empty containers
🐃 60 buffaloes, 15 cows and 6 calves at the premises

Officials also found that the dairy did not possess a valid licence to store or handle such pharmaceutical products.

⚖️ Investigation Underway

According to investigators, dairy owner Prakash Wadhwani allegedly failed to provide purchase invoices or disclose the source of procurement.

Authorities are now examining:

🔍 The duration of illegal usage
🔍 Supply channels of the banned drug
🔍 Possible interstate procurement networks
🔍 Potential violations involving food safety and animal welfare

Statutory samples have been collected for laboratory analysis while the remaining stock has been seized under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

🐄 Concerns Over Oxytocin Misuse

Oxytocin is a prescription hormone whose routine administration in dairy animals is prohibited.

Its indiscriminate use may lead to:

⚠️ Animal health complications
⚠️ Reproductive disorders in livestock
⚠️ Ethical concerns regarding forced milk extraction
⚠️ Potential risks associated with contaminated milk entering the food chain

Regulators have repeatedly highlighted the importance of preventing illegal hormone usage to maintain dairy product safety and ensure sustainable livestock management.

📋 Legal Action Initiated

Police have registered an FIR under multiple provisions, including:

⚖️ Drugs and Cosmetics Act
⚖️ Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provisions
⚖️ Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act

The action forms part of Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe’s broader statewide campaign targeting:

🥛 Milk adulteration
🚫 Synthetic milk production
💉 Illegal drug usage in dairy farming
🛡️ Food safety violations

🌍 Strengthening Food Safety in the Dairy Sector

The incident highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of dairy practices and reinforces the need for:

✅ Responsible livestock management
✅ Stronger traceability systems
✅ Greater awareness among dairy producers
✅ Improved enforcement against illegal practices
✅ Enhanced consumer confidence in dairy products

Authorities have urged citizens to report any suspected illegal storage, sale or use of banned veterinary drugs as enforcement activities continue across the state.