Ludhiana, Punjab – In a significant crackdown on food adulteration, the Food Safety Department of Ludhiana has seized approximately 3,000 litres of desi cow ghee that was allegedly sourced from Gujarat. The raid, conducted on a godown in Deep Nagar, is part of an intensified drive by the department to ensure the availability of safe and quality food products for consumers.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the operation involved the collection of representative samples of the seized ghee. These samples have been dispatched to a government-notified laboratory for comprehensive analysis to determine their quality and authenticity. Preliminary investigations suggest the ghee was procured from Gujarat, with a notable price discrepancy between the purchase price and the printed Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
Dr Ashish Chawla, the District Health Officer (Food Safety), stated that the seized ghee was reportedly sourced from Gujarat. He further elaborated that the product was acquired at an approximate cost of ₹400 per litre, while the MRP was printed as ₹700 per litre. This significant difference has raised suspicions regarding the quality and potential adulteration of the product.
The department is currently undertaking a thorough verification of all relevant documentation, including purchase invoices, transportation records, product labelling, and other pertinent documents as part of the ongoing investigation. This detailed scrutiny is crucial to establish the provenance and legitimacy of the seized goods and the operations of the involved business.
Dr Chawla emphasized that under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the guidelines set forth by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), every Food Business Operator (FBO) is legally obligated to possess a valid FSSAI licence or registration. Furthermore, FBOs must maintain stringent hygiene standards, ensure accurate product labelling, preserve statutory records meticulously, and market food products that strictly comply with prescribed safety standards.
He added that the ultimate determination of the quality and safety of any food product can only be made subsequent to laboratory analysis. The department stated that any further action, if deemed necessary, will be taken based on the outcomes of the laboratory report and in strict accordance with the applicable provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This includes potential penalties, confiscation, or legal proceedings against any parties found to be in violation of food safety regulations.
Appealing to the general public, Dr Chawla urged consumers to exercise caution and diligence when purchasing food items. He advised them to exclusively buy products from FSSAI-licensed establishments, to meticulously verify product labels, and to check the FSSAI licence number before making any purchase. Consumers suspecting any food safety violations have been encouraged to report such concerns promptly to the Food Safety Department, enabling swift intervention and safeguarding public health.
The seizure is part of a wider, ongoing effort by food safety authorities across the country to combat the pervasive issue of food adulteration, which poses significant risks to public health. Such operations aim to ensure that consumers receive genuine and safe food products, reinforcing trust in the food supply chain.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
