CityLightBuzz: Hyderabad A major adulterated ghee racket operating across Hyderabad has been busted following a massive joint enforcement drive by the Hyderabad Task Force Police and Food Safety Department.
According to Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, surprise inspections were conducted simultaneously at 130 premises across the Greater Hyderabad area. Officials identified 39 manufacturing units and 91 sales outlets allegedly involved in the production and distribution of adulterated ghee.
36 Tonnes of Adulterated Ghee Seized. During the raids, authorities seized around 36 tonnes of adulterated ghee and raw materials used in its preparation. Samples were collected and sent to laboratories for testing, while the seized material has been handed over to the Food Safety authorities for further legal action.
The seized material reportedly included:
25.5 tonnes of adulterated ghee, 8.7 tonnes of cream/raw material, 1,200 litres of palm oil, 600 litres of vanaspati/dalda, Six bottles of artificial flavouring liquids of three varieties, 30 kg of starch. Skimmed Milk Powder, Palm Oil and Artificial Flavours Used
Investigators found that the alleged adulterated ghee was being prepared using ingredients such as skimmed milk powder, palm oil, starch and artificial flavouring agents, rather than through the normal process of making ghee from milk and butter.Officials also found that some of the products were being packed in plastic covers without proper FSSAI licence details, batch numbers, manufacturing dates or expiry information.
The adulterated product was allegedly being sold with 10% to 40% adulteration and marketed for use as pooja and lamp ghee. It was also reportedly supplied to restaurants, tiffin centres, sweet shops, Ayurvedic medicine stores, dairy outlets, star hotels and caterers.Raw Materials Sourced From Several States, Police said the raw materials, including milk cream, were allegedly being sourced from Maharashtra,
Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
The products were reportedly manufactured at very low cost using inferior materials and then sold in Telangana and neighbouring states at prices comparable to genuine ghee, generating substantial profits for those involved.
Health Risks Highlighted
Health experts have warned that consumption of adulterated ghee containing harmful fats and chemicals could increase trans-fat and bad cholesterol levels, potentially raising the risk of cardiovascular problems and other health complications.
Officials also warned of possible digestive, liver and kidney-related problems, skin allergies and long-term health risks depending on the substances used in the adulterated products.
Public Urged to Report Adulteration
Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar stressed that public participation is essential in the fight against food adulteration and urged citizens to immediately report suspected adulteration units.
Helpline: 112
Task Force Helpline: 8712661212
Authorities said further action will be taken based on laboratory test results and the investigation into the manufacturing and distribution network
