Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh: Authorities have arrested Ajay Agarwal, owner of Agarwal Traders, for allegedly producing 500 liters of synthetic milk using just one liter of chemicals. Agarwal, accused of selling fake milk and paneer for over two decades, reportedly used a mixture of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and chemicals to mimic real milk.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) raided Agarwal’s shop and four storage facilities, seizing pre-mixed chemicals, including caustic potash, whey powder, sorbitol, milk permeate powder, and refined soya fats. Officials revealed that just five milliliters of these chemicals could produce up to two liters of synthetic milk.
"Agarwal has not disclosed the exact chemical composition, but flavoring agents were used to replicate the taste, smell, and appearance of natural milk," said an FSSAI official.
Authorities discovered that some sweeteners used in the production were expired by two years. Reports also suggest that Agarwal shared his synthetic milk formula with other milk vendors in his village.
FSSAI officials and the police are investigating the extent of Agarwal's operations, including the distribution network and buyers of his fake milk products over the past six months. "We are working to trace the supply chain and assess the public health impact," said Vinit Saxena, an FSSAI representative.
This arrest highlights ongoing challenges in curbing the production and sale of adulterated food products, a significant health hazard in the region.