Food Authority Seizes Ghee, Edible Oils Worth Rs 35 Lakh In Gujarat

Gujarat's Food and Drug Control Administration seized suspected adulterated ghee and edible oils worth more than Rs 35 lakh during raids in Surat and Deesa, officials said on Saturday. The action was carried out following directions from Health Minister Praful Pansheriya as part of the state's efforts to check food adulteration and protect consumers from potentially unsafe products.

In Surat, officials raided a factory operated by Keval Food Product at Hindva Dream Industrial Estate in Stad Pardi, Kamrej taluka. The unit was allegedly operating without a valid licence and was found manufacturing and packing suspected adulterated ghee under the brand name "Shri Anmol Ratan Cow Ghee". Officials seized 5,157 litres of ghee valued at Rs 26.12 lakh from the premises.

The inspection also led to the seizure of 1,485 kg of palmolein oil worth Rs 3.63 lakh and 285 kg of soybean oil that officials suspected was being kept for use in adulteration. Samples of the seized products were collected for laboratory testing. According to the department, the factory's exterior was locked while manufacturing and packing activities were allegedly being carried out inside the premises.

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Separately, the Palanpur Circle team of the Food and Drug Control Administration conducted inspections at several firms in Deesa. Officials seized 987 litres of ghee suspected to be adulterated, with an estimated value of Rs 6.22 lakh. Legal samples were collected during the inspections and sent to laboratories for examination under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Authorities said further legal action would be taken against those responsible based on the laboratory findings. The latest seizures cover both finished food products and edible oils allegedly intended for adulteration, reflecting the department's focus on tracing suspected violations at manufacturing and storage locations.

Health Minister Praful Pansheriya warned that businesses found compromising public health through food adulteration would face action. He indicated that enforcement efforts against adulterated food products would be intensified in the coming days. The seized products will remain subject to further proceedings and laboratory analysis before authorities determine the next legal steps.

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