In a massive statewide crackdown, the Telangana Food Safety Department seized 850 kg of suspected adulterated ghee and cream. The joint operation with Hyderabad Police targeted establishments mixing cheap vegetable oils into dairy products.
Key Takeaways
- Telangana Food Safety Department seized 850 kg of suspected adulterated ghee and cream.
- The two-phase enforcement drive was conducted in coordination with the Hyderabad City Police.
- Inspections revealed the mixing of cheap palm oil, vanaspati, and coconut oil in ghee.
The Telangana Food Safety Department, in a robust collaborative effort with the Hyderabad City Police, has executed a massive two-phase crackdown on food adulteration across the state. During this special enforcement drive conducted on July 14 and 15, authorities seized approximately 850 kg of ghee and cream suspected of being heavily adulterated. The operations primarily targeted the Core Urban Region (CURE), where officials inspected 14 major dairy and food establishments, collecting 15 critical samples for detailed laboratory analysis.
Use of Cheap Substitutes and Palm Oil
In addition to the massive seizure, food safety officers immediately discarded 60 kg of highly contaminated ghee and cream on the spot to prevent it from entering the consumer market. According to official sources, several licensed and unregulated local units were found utilizing cheap substitutes like palm oil, vanaspati, and coconut oil to artificially bulk up their products. Under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations, pure ghee must maintain a minimum of 99.5% milk fat and contain no more than 0.5% moisture, a benchmark these seized samples allegedly violated.
State-wide Inspections and Legal Action
The crackdown was not limited to the capital city. Food Safety Officers expanded their dragnet to various districts across Telangana, inspecting 65 distinct establishments. From these regional hubs, an additional 91 samples of ghee and cream were collected for rigorous chemical testing. The department has already issued formal improvement notices to five prominent food business operators (FBOs) for suspected violations, signaling a zero-tolerance policy against public health hazards.
The Broader Context of Food Safety
Food adulteration remains a persistent menace in India, particularly during festive seasons or periods of high demand. Adulterants like palm oil and vanaspati not only dilute the nutritional value of traditional dairy products but also pose severe long-term cardiovascular risks to consumers. Public health experts have repeatedly warned against the consumption of hydrogenated fats, which are linked to cholesterol spikes and coronary artery diseases. This latest drive underscores the urgent need for continuous, tech-driven surveillance of the supply chain.
