Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed officials to consider stringent action, including the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), against those involved in large-scale food adulteration, particularly the adulteration of milk, cheese and other dairy products. Shinde said adulterators were putting citizens, particularly children who consume milk regularly, at risk and called for non-bailable cases wherever the law permits. The move follows earlier government warnings that organised food adulteration could attract MCOCA. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said repeat offenders would face stringent action and criminal prosecution, while urging citizens to report suspected adulteration. Families should be able to buy milk, paneer, cheese or any everyday food item without wondering whether the product they are paying for could harm their health.