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Authorities in Jagatsinghpur district in Odisha uncovered a large-scale milk adulteration racket during a surprise raid at a milk chilling centre in Tarasahi village under Balikuda police limits. The team, led by Sub-Collector Prasanta Tarei and District Food Safety Officer Sasmita Das, along with local police, seized 50 bags of synthetic milk powder and large volumes of adulterated milk during the operation. As the officials arrived, the owner of the centre, 40-year-old Ulash Das, fled the scene and remains absconding.

Daily Supply to OMFED Under Scrutiny

According to Sub-Collector Tarei, Das had been collecting around 2,000 litres of milk daily from local villagers and supplying it to the OMFED (Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation) chilling plant at Ambasala. Investigations revealed that he mixed synthetic milk powder and water with the collected milk before distribution, compromising its safety and quality. “We believe this adulteration racket has been operating for quite some time,” said Food Safety Officer Sasmita Das. She confirmed that officials had sent the seized samples to a laboratory for further testing.

Serious Health Hazards and Legal Action

Officials warned that consuming adulterated milk poses serious health risks, especially for children and the elderly. “This is a blatant violation of food safety laws and endangers public health,” Das added. Authorities have launched a manhunt to locate and arrest the absconding owner. Further legal action will follow based on the lab reports.

Source: The Times of India