Maharashtra to Crack Down on Milk Adulteration with Stricter Laws Under MCOCA
In a significant move to safeguard public health and restore consumer confidence, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced on Tuesday that the state government will propose amendments to existing laws to bring milk adulteration and similar food-related crimes under the ambit of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
Speaking in the Assembly, Pawar stressed the urgent need to treat food adulteration not merely as a regulatory violation but as a serious criminal offense that threatens the health of millions. “The adulteration of milk and other food products is not only unethical—it’s endangering lives. We are determined to act firmly,” he said.
He directed officials to prepare a formal proposal to be presented before the Cabinet for approval. If cleared, the move will empower law enforcement agencies with stronger tools to investigate and prosecute adulterators, treating them at par with organised crime syndicates.
This development comes amid rising concerns over the rampant adulteration of milk across urban and rural Maharashtra. In recent years, several cases have come to light involving the use of hazardous substances like detergent, urea, and synthetic milk compounds, triggering health alarms and public outrage.
Industry experts welcomed the move, noting that milk adulteration has long operated in a grey zone of enforcement. “The dairy industry is the backbone of Maharashtra’s rural economy, and protecting its integrity is essential. Strong deterrence like MCOCA could be a game-changer,” said a senior executive at a leading cooperative dairy.
Consumer rights groups and food safety advocates have also long demanded stronger penalties and systemic reforms to prevent tampering in the dairy supply chain.
By proposing to extend MCOCA—typically reserved for tackling organised crime, extortion, and terrorism—to food adulteration, the Maharashtra government signals a shift in how it intends to prioritise food safety in one of India’s largest consumer markets.
The Cabinet is expected to review the proposal in the coming weeks.