Dairy Scandal Rocks Italy: Caustic Soda and Peroxide Found in Spoiled Milk

A major scandal has erupted in the Italian dairy industry, with law enforcement officials uncovering a scheme that used adulterated milk to produce dairy products for mass distribution. The investigation, led by the Pesaro Urbino prosecutor's office and conducted by the NAS Carabinieri, uncovered the dangerous plot that has shocked the region.

Investigators found that dairy products were being produced with spoiled milk "corrected" by adding caustic soda and hydrogen peroxide. This sinister mixture was designed to mask the milk's acidity, allowing it to be used in dairy products destined for large-scale distribution.

In a coordinated raid, the authorities seized 90 tons of milk and 110 tons of adulterated cheese, with a combined value of over 800,000 euros. These products were produced by Fattorie Marchigiane, a dairy that forms part of the well-known "Tre Valli Cooperlat" group. The raids took place in Colli al Metauro, in the Marche region, where the Carabinieri, assisted by over 60 judicial police officers, seized entire storage compartments, cold rooms, and expired products.

Prosecutors believe this was part of a "complex phenomenon of adulteration and sophistication," which allowed poorly preserved products to be introduced into the food market. They allege that substances such as caustic soda and hydrogen peroxide were routinely introduced into the production process to disguise the poor state of the milk and its derivatives.

Further investigations suggest that the milk was stored in silos for days, and caustic soda was also used to clean the floors. This prolonged storage period, coupled with the use of chemicals, helped reduce the milk's bacterial load and mask its acidity, making it possible to introduce the altered products into the food supply chain.
The scandal has raised concerns about food safety in the region, with prosecutors pursuing charges of food fraud and adulteration against 10 individuals and 3 companies. The shocking discovery highlights the need for vigilance in the dairy industry to protect consumers from potentially harmful products.

Reference: https://www.lavocedeltrentino.it/2024/04/26/soda-caustica-e-acqua-ossigenata-nel-latte-avariato-per-correggerne-il-gusto-sequestrate-90-tonnellate-di-latte-e-110-di-formaggi-scaduti/