FDCA raids Banaskantha trader for selling adulterated ghee, seizes stock worth over ₹35 lakh

Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) carried out a surprise raid at a private warehouse in Chandisar GIDC of Banaskantha, targeting M/s Shri Sales, for allegedly manufacturing and storing adulterated ghee without a valid licence.

According to Commissioner H G Koshia, the raid was conducted early on September 5, following intelligence inputs and continued monitoring after a previous seizure from the same trader in June this year.

During inspection, officials found 124 tins of “Gumar” brand ghee and 232 unlabelled 15-kg tins, amounting to nearly 5.5 tonnes.

Two samples were collected for laboratory testing, while the remaining stock — valued at over ₹35 lakh — was seized to safeguard public health.

Earlier in June 2025, the FDCA had seized over 650 kg of suspected adulterated ghee worth more than ₹3.5 lakh from the same firm.

Dr. Koshia revealed that empty palm oil boxes were also discovered at the site, raising strong suspicion of palm oil adulteration in the seized ghee.

He further stated that during August alone, FDCA teams conducted raids at 10 locations across Gujarat, collecting 28 samples and seizing nearly 46 tonnes of suspected food items worth around ₹1.8 crore.

With these intensified crackdowns, FDCA aims to ensure safe and pure food for consumers while sending a stern warning to those engaged in food adulteration. “Such illegal activities directly threaten public health, and strict legal action will continue against offenders,” Dr. Koshia said.

The operation has triggered panic among traders involved in adulteration, as the FDCA maintains close surveillance across the state.