Gujarat Cracks Down on Food Adulteration: Rs 35 Lakh Worth of Suspected Ghee and Oils Seized
In a major crackdown on food adulteration, the Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration has seized over Rs 35 lakh worth of suspected adulterated ghee and oils in raids conducted in Surat and Deesa, following directions from Health Minister Praful Pansheriya to take strict action against the menace.
Surat Factory Raided, Rs 26 Lakh Worth of Ghee Seized
In a shocking revelation, officials from the Food and Drug Control Administration raided a factory operated by Keval Food Product at Hindva Dream Industrial Estate in Stad Pardi of Kamrej taluka in Surat. The unit was found to be operating without a valid licence and allegedly manufacturing and packing suspected adulterated ghee in the name of genuine products. The officials seized 5,157 litres of ghee, valued at Rs 26.12 lakh, packed under the brand name ‘Shri Anmol Ratan Cow Ghee’. This is a staggering amount, and the fact that the factory was operating without a valid licence raises serious concerns about the safety of the products being sold in the market.
Palmolein Oil and Soybean Oil Found in Store
In addition to the ghee, officials also seized 1,485 kg of palmolein oil worth Rs 3.63 lakh and 285 kg of soybean oil kept for use in adulteration. The department has stated that the factory was being operated with its exterior locked, while production and packing activities were allegedly being carried out inside the premises. This lack of transparency and secrecy raises suspicions about the intentions of the factory owners and the quality of the products being manufactured.
Deesa Raids Yield Rs 6.22 Lakh Worth of Suspected Adulterated Ghee
Separately, the Palanpur Circle team of the Food and Drug Control Administration conducted raids at various firms in Deesa. During the inspections, officials seized 987 litres of ghee suspected to be adulterated, with an estimated value of Rs 6,22,200. This is a significant seizure, and the fact that the ghee was found to be adulterated raises concerns about the safety of the products being sold in the market.
Minister Warns of Stricter Action Against Food Adulteration
Health Minister Praful Pansheriya has warned that no person or business establishment found compromising the health of citizens through food adulteration would be spared. He has stated that the campaign against adulteration in food products would be made stricter in the coming days. This is a welcome move, and it is hoped that the authorities will take swift and decisive action against those responsible for food adulteration.
Enforcement Action Against Suspected Adulteration
The latest seizures form part of enforcement action by the state authorities against suspected adulteration of food products, with officials focusing on both finished products and oils allegedly intended for adulteration. This is a positive step, and it is hoped that the authorities will continue to crack down on food adulteration and ensure that the products sold in the market are safe for consumption.
Conclusion
The seizure of over Rs 35 lakh worth of suspected adulterated ghee and oils in Gujarat is a significant development, and it highlights the need for stricter action against food adulteration. The authorities must continue to crack down on food adulteration and ensure that the products sold in the market are safe for consumption. The health and well-being of citizens depend on it.