Army rejects ‘substandard’ Milk powder supplied by Verka; Officials suspended, committee formed

March 27, 2026

A major controversy has erupted in regard of the milk powder supplied by Punjab’s ‘Verka. Investigations conducted by the Indian Army revealed that samples of the supplied milk powder failed quality tests. Thus, a consignment of approximately 125 metric tons was returned as it failed to meet the prescribed quality standards.

A notice issued by the Army states that these samples must be collected from their office within seven days. Check the notice below 

If the samples are not recovered within the stipulated timeframe, they will be destroyed by a committee of officials, and no claims regarding them will be entertained thereafter.

Milkfed, Punjab Govt orders inquiry

Given the gravity of the matter, Milkfed and the Punjab government have ordered an inquiry and issued notices to the concerned officials, while the opposition has demanded strict action and a high-level investigation into the incident.

Milkfed action, official suspended 

Taking action in the matter, Punjab State Cooperative Milk Producers Federation Ltd (Milkfed) has suspended two senior officials of its Ludhiana unit. As per information, Daljit Singh, General Manager, and Guriqbal Singh, Manager (Quality), of the Ludhiana District Cooperative Milk Producers Union, have been suspended for alleged grave misconduct.

The fact-finding committee constitutes

As the controversy escalated, the department constituted a fact-finding committee to investigate the matter.

Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh stated that reports from the media indicate two samples have failed the tests. Verka is currently conducting an internal inquiry at its own level; should the need arise, the Food Supply Department will also conduct an investigation.