FDA Seizes 612 Banned Oxytocin Bottles in Dairy Raid

A joint operation by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the police has led to the seizure of 612 bottles of banned oxytocin injections from a dairy in Ulhasnagar, exposing the illegal use of the hormone to increase milk extraction in dairy animals. The raid was conducted at the cattle shed of Prakash Wadhwani (64), who owns 55 buffaloes and supplies more than 250 litres of milk daily through his dairy outlet.

Officials said the seized 100-ml bottles carried no brand name or manufacturer details, raising suspicions of an organised illegal supply network. FDA Inspector Manish Ghotmare stated that oxytocin is prohibited for routine use in dairy animals because it poses significant health risks to both animals and consumers.

Investigators from the Central Police Station are now tracing the source of the consignment and probing a suspected interstate racket involved in supplying the banned drug. Veterinary experts noted that oxytocin may only be administered under the prescription of a registered veterinarian for legitimate medical purposes, while its illegal use to stimulate faster milk let-down is prohibited. The seizure underscores Maharashtra FDA's intensified enforcement drive against food adulteration and illegal practices in the dairy sector to safeguard animal welfare, milk quality and public health. (hindustantimes.com)

Source: Dairynews7x7 22 July, 2026 Read full story here

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