India, Oct. 9 -- The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) detected the chemical, nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE), in adulterated milk during a major crackdown in Pune district between July 4 and October 1, officials said.

NPE is widely used in the production of detergents, industrial cleaners and emulsifiers, and in pesticide and herbicide formulations. It breaks down in the environment into nonylphenol (NP), a toxic compound that acts as an endocrine disruptor and poses health and developmental concerns. Its use is restricted in the European Union.

The crackdown began in Manchar at Akash Dairy Farm, where the FDA collected six milk samples; all contained detergents.

Action was also taken against Navkar Distributors at Bhoramala...