Hyderabad: Hyderabad Police and food safety officials seized about 36 tonnes of adulterated ghee, raw materials and chemical additives during a citywide crackdown.
The Hyderabad adulterated ghee operation covered 130 establishments across the Hyderabad Police Commissionerate. Officials inspected 39 ghee manufacturing units and 91 outlets selling ghee.
The Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) of the Commissioner’s Task Force led the synchronized drive. It worked jointly with the Food Safety Department after receiving intelligence and tip-offs from the public.
During the inspections, officials allegedly uncovered large-scale operations producing synthetic ghee with substandard ingredients and unauthorised chemicals. Manufacturers then allegedly packaged and sold these products as pure desi ghee.
Officials said such products posed serious risks to consumers. Therefore, food safety inspectors collected statutory samples at the inspected establishments for laboratory analysis.
Authorities handed the seized stock and related materials to the Food Safety Department for further legal action.
Hyderabad adulterated ghee seizure included palm oil, cream
The seized material included about 25.5 tonnes of adulterated ghee and 8.7 tonnes of cream used as raw material. Teams also seized 1,200 litres of palm oil and 600 litres of vanaspathi, or Dalda.
In addition, officials recovered six bottles containing three varieties of artificial ghee flavours identified as CEC. They also seized 30 kg of starch.
Police put the combined quantity of seized adulterated ghee, raw materials and chemical additives at 36 tonnes.
Investigators identified two alleged methods used by some manufacturers. In one method, manufacturers mixed milk solids with palm oil, vanaspathi and artificial ghee flavour.
The mixture allegedly imitated the taste, aroma and appearance of genuine ghee. Meanwhile, another method involved skimmed milk powder containing zero per cent milk fat.
Manufacturers allegedly blended the powder with palm oil, vanaspathi, starch and artificial ghee flavour. Police said this process produced a product marketed as ghee despite containing no milk ingredients.
Hyderabad adulterated ghee sold under misleading labels
Officials also detected alleged misbranding and violations of mandatory labelling requirements during the Hyderabad adulterated ghee inspections.
The products were allegedly packed in transparent covers and marketed under labels including “100% Pure Ghee” and “Premium Ghee.” Other labels included “Farm Fresh Ghee” and “Natural Ghee.”
However, officials said the packets lacked several mandatory particulars. These included batch or lot numbers, FSSAI licence details and Certificates of Analysis. The packs also allegedly omitted manufacturing or packing dates and expiry or use-by dates.
According to investigators, adulteration levels ranged from about 10% to 40%. Manufacturers allegedly diverted the products to different users depending on the level of adulteration.
The end-users included Deepam or Pooja ghee suppliers, restaurants and tiffin centres. Sweet manufacturing units and Ayurvedic shops, also described as Dawasaaz, allegedly received the products.
Manufacturers sourced milk cream used in production from suppliers in six states, police said. These included Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Hyderabad adulterated ghee allegedly supplied across states
Police said manufacturers produced the adulterated ghee cheaply by using lower-cost substitute ingredients. They then allegedly sold it as original ghee at higher prices to generate substantial illegal profits.
The products were reportedly distributed across Telangana and neighbouring states. Recipients allegedly included dairy shops, sweet shops, hotels and star hotels. Additionally, police identified tiffin centres, bakeries, caterers and Ayurvedic medicine shops among the recipients. Authorities said the widespread distribution created a serious public health risk.
Police also detailed potential health hazards associated with the alleged adulteration process. They said refined palm oil, palm kernel oil and palmolein were among the substances used.
According to the press note, chemicals included beta-carotene, acetic acid ester, lactic acid, monoglyceride and ghee flavour. These substances were allegedly used to adjust laboratory test values and maintain the aroma of adulterated ghee.
Authorities said such adulteration could increase trans-fat and LDL levels. They linked higher levels to increased risks of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular problems.
Furthermore, the press note said adding esters such as monoglycerides and diglycerides could cause health problems. It cited cardiovascular and digestive issues, liver and kidney strain, skin allergies and long-term metabolic problems.
Hyderabad adulterated ghee drive prompts public advisory
Following the crackdown, Hyderabad City Police urged residents to remain alert to food adulteration. Officials advised consumers to buy ghee, milk and dairy products only from reputed and licensed sellers.
Consumers were asked to check for intact tamper-proof seals, complete manufacturer details and valid FSSAI licences. Police also cautioned against unbranded or suspiciously cheap dairy products sold loose.
According to the advisory, such products could contain substandard oils, animal fats or hazardous synthetic chemicals. Citizens were also advised to avoid sweets and dairy preparations from unverified or unauthorised food outlets.
Police asked residents to report suspected food adulteration or unhygienic food preparation through emergency number 112. Complaints could also be made through calls or WhatsApp to the H-FAST helpline at 8712661212.
Authorities assured that the identities of informants would remain confidential. Police also said enforcement against people involved in food adulteration would continue.
H-FAST Inspectors N Ranjith Kumar Goud and M Anjaiah conducted the special drive with their teams. SIs Ramya, Abhilash, Shankar, Krishna and Akhil were also part of the operation.
DCP Task Force Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath, IPS, led the operation. Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar, IPS, issued the press note on August 18.