The Food and Drugs Control Administration of Gujarat seized over 5 tons of spurious ghee, valued at approximately Rs 35 lakh, from an illegal godown in Banaskantha district. The raid, conducted as part of an ongoing food safety enforcement drive, targeted a facility operating without a valid FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) license.

The seized ghee, branded as 'Gumar' and misleadingly labeled as "pure cow ghee," is suspected to be adulterated with harmful substances like vegetable oils, animal fats, starch, or synthetic ingredients. Such contaminants pose serious health risks, including cardiovascular diseases, digestive issues, and even cancer, according to a study in the International Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Two samples from the stock have been sent for laboratory testing to confirm their authenticity, with results pending.

A video of the raid, shared by the FSSAI on Instagram on September 8, 2025, revealed stacks of cartons filled with the counterfeit product, highlighting the scale of the operation. Authorities suspect the facility was distributing the adulterated ghee across the region, deceiving consumers with false claims of purity.

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This isn’t the first such incident in Gujarat. Earlier in June 2025, officials confiscated 650 kg of suspected fake ghee worth Rs 3.5 lakh, underscoring the persistent issue of ghee adulteration. Common practices include mixing ghee with cheaper alternatives like vanaspati or animal fats, which compromise both quality and safety.

The FSSAI has ramped up nationwide inspections to combat food adulteration, targeting high-risk products like ghee, paneer, milk, khoya, cold drinks, and packaged water. “Our priority is to protect consumers and ensure compliance with safety standards,” an FSSAI official stated. The agency’s intensified raids aim to deter illegal operations and restore public trust in food products.

As investigations continue, authorities are working to identify the supply chain behind the fake ghee and hold those responsible accountable. The bust has sparked widespread concern among consumers, with calls for stricter regulations and regular monitoring to prevent such health hazards in the future.

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