Hyderabad ghee adulteration | Hyderabad, August 18 (Maxim News): Hyderabad ghee adulteration came under a major crackdown after police and food safety officials inspected 130 establishments across the city.
The Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team, or H FAST, conducted the operation with the Food Safety Department. The Commissioner’s Task Force carried out the inspections based on credible intelligence and public tip offs.
The teams inspected 39 ghee manufacturing units and 91 commercial selling outlets. During the drive, officials uncovered alleged operations producing synthetic ghee using cheaper substitutes and unauthorised chemical substances.
The teams seized about 36 tonnes of adulterated ghee, raw materials and other substances. The seizure included 25.5 tonnes of adulterated ghee and 8.7 tonnes of cream.
Officials also seized 1,200 litres of palm oil and 600 litres of vanaspathi. They further seized 30 kilograms of starch and six bottles of artificial ghee flavours from three varieties.
Food safety inspectors collected statutory samples at the inspected locations. Authorities handed over the seized material to the Food Safety Department for further legal action.
Hyderabad Ghee Adulteration Network Used Multiple Ingredients
Investigators found that some manufacturers allegedly used milk solids with palm oil, vanaspathi and artificial ghee flavour. They reportedly used this mixture to imitate the taste, aroma and appearance of genuine ghee.
In another method, operators allegedly used skimmed milk powder with zero milk fat. They mixed it with palm oil, vanaspathi, starch and artificial ghee flavour.
Police said the alleged adulteration levels ranged from about 10% to 40%. Manufacturers reportedly diverted different grades of the product to various commercial users.
These included deepam and pooja ghee users, restaurants, tiffin centres and sweet manufacturers. The alleged supply network also reached dairy shops, hotels, star hotels, bakeries, caterers and Ayurvedic medicine shops.
The manufacturers allegedly packaged the products in transparent covers and marketed them under names such as “100% Pure Ghee”, “Premium Ghee”, “Farm Fresh Ghee” and “Natural Ghee”.
Officials found that these packs allegedly lacked mandatory information. The missing details included batch or lot numbers, FSSAI licence information, certificates of analysis and manufacturing or packing dates.
Some products also reportedly lacked expiry or use by dates. Investigators said the alleged operation helped manufacturers reduce costs and sell the products as genuine ghee at higher prices.
The cream used in the alleged manufacturing process reportedly came from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Authorities said the adulterated products were distributed across Telangana and neighbouring states. The alleged network supplied products to multiple food and commercial establishments.
Officials also highlighted potential health risks from unsafe adulteration. According to the Comissioner of Police Sajjanar, mixing refined palm oil, palm kernel oil and palmolein with certain chemicals can affect fat composition.
Risk of heart disease
Sajjanar Fuirther said that increased trans fat and LDL levels may raise the risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular problems. It also cites possible digestive problems, liver and kidney strain, skin allergies and long term metabolic issues linked to certain additives.
Police urged consumers to buy ghee and other dairy products from reputed and licensed vendors. They advised people to check tamper proof seals, manufacturer details and valid FSSAI licence information.
Consumers should also remain cautious about unbranded or unusually cheap loose dairy products. Police advised people to avoid food and dairy preparations from unverified or unauthorised outlets.
Citizens can report suspected food adulteration through Dial 112 or the H FAST helpline at 8712661212. Police said the identity of informants will remain confidential.
The operation was conducted by H FAST inspectors N Ranjith Kumar Goud and M Anjaiah. Sub Inspectors Ramya, Abhilash, Shankar, Krishna and Akhil also participated.
The team worked under the leadership of Task Force DCP Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath. Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar addressed the media about the enforcement action.
Authorities said enforcement against food adulteration will continue. They also appealed to citizens to cooperate with officials to protect public health. (Maxim News)
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