Hydrogen peroxide used to adulterate milk, seized in Ibrahimpatnam

Future City Police announced on Tuesday that a raid on a makeshift processing unit in Pocharam village, on the outskirts of Ibrahimpatnam, uncovered a cache of adulterated dairy products and a chemical agent commonly used to mask spoilage. Officers seized 35 kilograms of milk powder, along with a litre of hydrogen peroxide, a substance that, when added to milk, can temporarily restore its colour and appearance but poses serious health risks to consumers. The operation, part of a broader crackdown on food‑safety violations in the region, follows a series of complaints from local dairy farmers and consumers who had reported unusually low‑quality milk in local markets.According to the police briefing, the unit in Pocharam was operating without any licence or registration, and its owners had been under surveillance for several weeks after a spike in reports of milk‑related illnesses in nearby villages..

Investigators traced the supply chain to a small network of dealers who sourced low‑grade milk powder from out‑of‑state manufacturers and attempted to improve its marketability by adding hydrogen peroxide, a practice that has been documented in other parts of the country but remains relatively rare in Andhra Pradesh. The seized milk powder, when tested in the laboratory, showed a significantly reduced protein content and elevated levels of bacterial contamination, findings that suggest the product had been stored for an extended period before being altered.Hydrogen peroxide, while widely used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent, is not approved for any purpose in food processing. When ingested, it can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, vomiting, and in higher concentrations, more severe oxidative damage to tissues..

Health officials warn that even small quantities, if repeatedly consumed, could lead to chronic health problems, particularly in children and the elderly, who are the most vulnerable to food‑borne hazards. The police have therefore forwarded the seized chemical to the state food‑safety laboratory for further analysis and to determine the exact concentration used in the adulteration process.The raid was carried out by a joint task force comprising officers from the Future City Police, the Andhra Pradesh Food Safety Department, and the local agricultural extension office. Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Ramesh Kumar described the operation as “a decisive step to protect public health and to send a clear message to those who think they can compromise food safety for profit.” He added that the seized items would be destroyed under strict supervision, and that the individuals apprehended would face charges under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.Preliminary inquiries reveal that the adulterated milk powder was being distributed to several wholesale markets in Ibrahimpatnam and neighboring towns, where it fetched prices comparable to genuine, certified products..

Local vendors, unaware of the tampering, reportedly purchased the powder in bulk, attracted by its lower cost. Consumer groups have expressed outrage, citing the incident as a betrayal of trust and a reminder of the need for more rigorous oversight of the informal dairy sector, which supplies a substantial portion of the region’s milk consumption.The state’s Food Safety Department has announced an immediate audit of all licensed dairy processing units within a 50‑kilometre radius of the Pocharam site. Inspectors will be checking for compliance with standards on raw material sourcing, storage conditions, and the presence of prohibited substances..

The department also plans to launch a public awareness campaign, urging consumers to look for the “FSSAI” seal on dairy products and to report any suspicious changes in taste, colour, or smell. “Awareness is our first line of defence,” said Dr. Sunita Rao, senior officer at the department, “and we encourage citizens to remain vigilant.”The incident has revived debate over the regulatory gaps that allow unlicensed operations to thrive in peri‑urban areas..

Experts point to a combination of weak enforcement, inadequate penalties, and the economic pressures faced by small‑scale producers who may resort to adulteration to extend the shelf‑life of low‑quality stock. A recent study by the Centre for Food Policy in Hyderabad highlighted that over 30 percent of unregistered dairy units in Telangana lack basic quality‑control measures, making them susceptible to illegal practices. The study recommends a multi‑pronged approach involving stricter licensing procedures, regular surprise inspections, and incentives for compliance.In response, the state government has pledged to allocate additional resources to the Food Safety Department, including the deployment of mobile testing vans equipped with rapid detection kits for common adulterants such as hydrogen peroxide, urea, and melamine..

These units will be stationed at major market hubs to conduct on‑spot testing, allowing authorities to act swiftly before contaminated products reach consumers. The ministry also intends to collaborate with local universities to develop low‑cost, easy‑to‑use testing strips that could be distributed to small retailers and even consumers.Meanwhile, the individuals detained during the Pocharam raid have been taken into custody and are expected to appear before a magistrate within the next 48 hours. Prosecutors are preparing charges that could result in imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of assets, reflecting the seriousness with which the judiciary has historically treated cases of food adulteration..

Legal analysts note that previous convictions in similar cases have often resulted in relatively light sentences, prompting calls for legislative reform to ensure that penalties are commensurate with the potential public‑health impact.The seizure of hydrogen peroxide and adulterated milk powder has sparked a broader conversation about food integrity in an era where supply chains are increasingly complex and consumer trust is fragile. As authorities tighten their grip on illegal operations, consumer groups stress that long‑term solutions must also address the underlying economic incentives that drive producers to compromise safety. “If we want a truly safe dairy sector, we must empower legitimate farmers, improve cold‑chain infrastructure, and ensure that cheap, unsafe alternatives cannot compete on price,” said Anil Mehta, director of the Consumer Rights Forum.As investigations continue, officials have urged the public to remain calm but cautious, reminding them to purchase dairy products only from reputable sources bearing the official FSSAI certification..

The incident serves as a stark reminder that food safety is a shared responsibility, requiring vigilance from regulators, producers, retailers, and consumers alike. The Future City Police have pledged to maintain a heightened presence in the area, signalling that the crackdown on adulteration is far from over..