The food regulator traced the suspected inter-state network through a decoy purchase operation after identifying advertisements lacking mandatory licence details; laboratory tests found the samples failed prescribed ghee standards
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has uncovered an alleged inter-state network involved in the manufacture and distribution of suspected counterfeit ghee, seizing around 6,500 litres of adulterated products and raw materials during coordinated enforcement operations in Delhi and Haryana.
The action was carried out by Central Food Safety Officers under the supervision of Devesh Kumar Mahla, IPS, Director, Northern Regional Office, FSSAI, in coordination with local police authorities.
According to the regulator, the investigation began after officials identified digital and print advertisements promoting premium cow ghee and regular ghee products without mandatory FSSAI licence details and prescribed labelling information.
As part of the probe, officials conducted a decoy purchase operation by posing as consumers and procuring product samples. The samples were subsequently tested at an FSSAI-recognised National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-accredited laboratory.
Laboratory analysis found that the products did not meet the standards prescribed for ghee under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations. The samples reportedly contained vegetable oils and other non-dairy ingredients.
Raid Across State
Based on the laboratory findings, FSSAI traced the suspected manufacturing, storage and distribution network and conducted enforcement operations at multiple locations in Delhi and Haryana on 17 June.
In Delhi, officials raided a facility in Dhulsiras village, Dwarka, allegedly linked to Parit Ram. During the operation, authorities recovered about 1,020 litres of unidentified oil suspected to have been used in the manufacture of counterfeit ghee, along with nearly 1,500 litres of suspected adulterated ghee. The seized stock has been placed under regulatory custody.
In Haryana, officials carried out a separate operation at M/S Bala Ji Food Products in Sonipat, where more than 4,000 litres of suspected adulterated ghee packaged for market distribution was seized.
Commenting on the operation, Mahla said, “We have seized around 6500 liter of adulterated ghee. It was manufactured with vegetable and animal fat as per the lab report. It was a good operation with FSSAI making decoy and organised surveillance and action.”
FIR Registered
FSSAI said a formal complaint has been filed with local police authorities and a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against those allegedly involved. The regulator has also collected statutory samples for further examination, while the seized materials remain under regulatory custody.
Officials said investigations are continuing to identify other entities allegedly connected to the network. FSSAI reiterated its zero-tolerance approach towards food adulteration and misbranding.
FSSAI urged consumers to verify FSSAI licence or registration numbers, manufacturer details, labelling information and packaging quality before purchasing food products.
The regulator also advised consumers to exercise caution while buying products offered at unusually low prices, as such pricing could indicate counterfeit or substandard goods.
(With input from Agency)
