Uttarakhand Begins Statewide Action Against Adulterated Desi Ghee & Butter

In a significant move to protect consumer health, the Food Safety and Drug Controller Department of Uttarakhand has launched a statewide campaign to curb the sale of adulterated desi ghee and butter. This campaign, initiated under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Health Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, aims to ensure that pure and safe dairy products reach consumers.

Strict Food Safety Inspections Underway

The campaign covers all districts of Uttarakhand, where food safety teams are conducting surprise inspections at:

• Sweet shops
• Retail and wholesale ghee and butter sellers
• Manufacturing units and storage vendors

Health Secretary and Food Commissioner R Rajesh Kumar stated that strict action will be taken against those found selling contaminated or low-quality dairy products.

Nationwide Focus on Food Adulteration

The Union Health Ministry has also directed all Indian states to inspect laddu samples and test ghee available in the market. This move highlights the growing concern over food adulteration and its impact on public health.

Major Raids and Sample Collection in Uttarakhand

The Food Safety and Drug Administration has carried out intensive raids and inspections in both urban and rural areas of Uttarakhand.

• Garhwal Division:
  • Under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner RS Rawat, samples of desi ghee and butter were collected from shops and vendors in Dehradun district.
  • Raids were conducted in Herbertpur, Sahaspur, and Sudhowala.
  • The inspection team included Senior Food Safety Officers Ramesh Singh, Santosh Singh, and Sanjay Tiwari, along with Designated Officer Manish Singh.
• Kumaon Division:
  • Led by Deputy Commissioner Anoj Kumar Thapliyal, the food safety team inspected major ghee sellers, wholesalers, and distributors in Haldwani.
  • Locations inspected included Mangal Padav, Kaladhungi Road, and Rampur Road.
  • Samples of various ghee brands such as Paras, Pehelwan, Mother Dairy, and Health Made Desi Ghee were collected.
  • A sample of Nova brand skimmed milk powder was also sent for testing.
  • Senior Food Safety Officer Aslam Khan collected additional ghee samples from Ramnagar.

What Happens Next?

All collected samples have been sent to laboratories for testing. Based on the results, strict action will be taken against violators under food safety laws.

Impact on Food Businesses

This campaign is a wake-up call for food manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers dealing in desi ghee and butter. To comply with food safety laws, businesses must:

• Ensure product purity by sourcing raw materials responsibly.
• Follow FSSAI guidelines to avoid legal action.
• Conduct regular quality checks to maintain consumer trust.

With growing awareness of food safety in India, this initiative aims to protect consumers and encourage businesses to prioritize quality and compliance.