Ahmedabad: 5 Of 11 'Pure' Ghee Samples Fail Quality Test, 3,142 Kg Stock Suspended

Five out of 11 ghee samples collected from the Madhupura area of Ahmedabad and sold as 'pure' have failed prescribed quality tests, prompting the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) Food Department to suspend the sale of 3,142 kg of ghee worth ₹12.93 lakh.

According to the Food Department, vegetable fat was detected in the samples that were declared substandard. The ghee was reportedly being sold in the market at prices of up to around ₹600 per kg.

Following the laboratory findings, Food Department officials inspected the distribution units associated with the products and took action against the stock linked to the failed samples.

Distributor Found Operating Without FSSAI Licence

The investigation also found that Arihant Marketing, which was distributing three of the products, was allegedly operating without an FSSAI licence.

The distributor operates from Radhakrishna Complex in Ghodasar. Ghee sold under the KT Krishna, Khushali and Prasang brands was reportedly being distributed from the premises.

The Food Department has initiated sealing proceedings against the unit for operating without the required licence.

Eight More Samples Collected

As part of the continuing investigation, officials have collected eight additional samples under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Action has also been initiated against manufacturers and distributors falling within the AMC jurisdiction. Details concerning products manufactured in other parts of Gujarat have been forwarded to the state government for further action, according to the department.

Five Ghee Products Found Substandard

Distributors Told To Maintain Batch-Wise Lab Reports

The Food Department has directed ghee manufacturers and distributors to maintain laboratory testing or analysis reports for each batch number being sold or distributed.

Caterers and other food business operators purchasing ghee in bulk have also been advised to obtain the relevant batch laboratory report from manufacturers, distributors or retailers and maintain records of the quantities purchased and corresponding batch numbers.

The department has also cautioned consumers about the possibility of loose ghee being adulterated with vegetable fat or other substances and sold as pure ghee.

AMC officials said inspections and legal action against food adulteration, unhygienic conditions, substandard food products and other regulatory violations will continue.

Traders Can Appeal Within 30 Days

Tejas Shah, an official from the AMC Food Department, said five samples collected from Madhupura Market around 10 days ago failed quality tests.

He said 3,142 kg of ghee associated with the failed samples has been seized, while traders have been given 30 days to file an appeal. Penalty proceedings will follow in accordance with the FSSAI Act after the appeal period.

Insects Found In Food At Samras Girls' Hostel; ₹25,000 Fine Imposed

In a separate food-safety action on September 28, the AMC Food Department inspected the Samras Girls' Hostel on the Gujarat University campus after students reportedly found insects in food served at the hostel.

According to the information provided by the department, one student fell ill after consuming the meal and was taken to hospital for treatment. Other students also raised concerns over the quality of food being served.

Following the complaint, Food Department officials inspected the hostel and imposed an administrative fine of ₹25,000.

Officials also collected three surveillance samples and issued a notice to the hostel administration as part of the follow-up action.