Gandhinagar: The Food and Drug Control Administration of Gujarat has unearthed a large-scale adulteration racket involving the use of refined palm oil (RPO) in the production of fake ghee. Acting on intelligence inputs, the authority carried out raids in Kutch and Jamnagar districts, seizing over ₹1.4 crore worth of adulterated raw material and finished goods.

Food and Drug Control Administration Commissioner Dr. H. G. Koshia said that investigations revealed adulterators were using refined palm oil, whose texture closely resembles ghee, as the main substitute. Officials traced the supply chain to Gandhidham in Kutch, where Bharat Foods Co-operative Ltd. was found to be producing and distributing RPO under the Savera brand in 15-kg packs as well as through loose tankers.

On September 11, the regulatory team seized 67 tonnes of RPO worth an estimated ₹1.32 crore from Bharat Foods Co-operative Ltd. Four samples—including two types of RPO, a Savera-branded RPO, and a vegetable oil sample—were collected for laboratory testing. A notice has been issued to the company, prohibiting further sale of RPO through tankers.

In a follow-up operation on September 12, officials raided Krishna Trading Co. in Dhrol, Jamnagar, a ghee manufacturing unit. The firm was allegedly adulterating ghee with soybean and vegetable oils. Four samples (two of ghee, one vegetable oil, and one soybean oil) were taken in the presence of the firm’s representative. Authorities seized two tonnes of adulterated stock worth ₹5.8 lakh and initiated proceedings to cancel the firm’s FSSAI license.

Dr. Koshia emphasized that strict action will follow after lab test results confirm adulteration. “The Food and Drug Regulatory Authority is committed to ensuring that citizens of Gujarat get pure and safe food. We will continue to take strong legal action against those manufacturing adulterated products,” he said.

The seized stock, totaling more than 69 tonnes, has been prevented from entering the market, safeguarding public health.