Food safety officials have sealed a manufacturing and packaging factory in Jaipur and seized approximately 35,000 litres of ghee due to suspected adulteration and irregularities. This action took place on Tuesday, as reported by the Press Trust of India. The factory, identified as Himalaya Dairy Products, was inspected as part of the Rajasthan government’s ongoing ‘Shuddh Aahar-Milawat Par Vaar’ campaign aimed at combating food adulteration.

During the inspection, officials discovered that the ghee was being packaged under seven different brand names, including Rajasthan Saras, Dairy Brothers, Shri Kiran Saras, Matula, Choice Dairy, Raghu Shri, and Ganak. The ghee was found in various package sizes, ranging from 200 ml to 15 litres, with large quantities stored in storage silos. The scale of the operation raised concerns regarding the integrity of the products being offered to consumers.

In addition to the ghee, a suspicious flavouring substance was reportedly recovered from the factory premises. This substance was allegedly concealed under a label that identified it as a cleaning chemical, prompting further investigation into its potential use in the ghee production process. Officials are currently examining whether artificial flavouring agents were employed in the ghee, which could indicate adulteration.

Regulatory Non-Compliance Detected

Officials noted that the factory’s food licence was not displayed during the inspection, raising questions about its compliance with regulatory requirements. The absence of the necessary documentation contributed to the decision to seal the entire facility, including its manufacturing and packaging units. This action underscores the seriousness with which food safety authorities are treating the issue of food adulteration in the region.

The inspection and subsequent sealing of the factory are part of a broader initiative by the Rajasthan government to ensure food safety and quality. The ‘Shuddh Aahar-Milawat Par Vaar’ campaign aims to identify and eliminate instances of food adulteration across various sectors. By targeting facilities like Himalaya Dairy Products, authorities hope to protect consumers from potentially harmful products.

As part of the ongoing investigation, samples of the ghee and the suspected flavouring substance have been sent for laboratory testing. The results of these tests are awaited and will play a crucial role in determining the next steps for both the factory and the individuals involved in its operation. The food safety team is committed to ensuring that any violations are addressed appropriately.

Additional Inspections Conducted in Jaipur District

In a separate operation conducted on the same day, food safety teams inspected four dairy and mawa manufacturing units located in the Morija and Cheethwadi areas of Jaipur district. The units inspected included Shakar Dula Mawa Paneer Bhandar, AKD Enterprises, and SDS Mawa Paneer. These inspections were part of the authorities’ efforts to monitor food quality and safety in the region.

During these inspections, samples of milk and mawa were collected for laboratory testing, further emphasising the commitment of food safety officials to uphold standards in the dairy industry. The findings from these tests will be crucial in assessing the quality of products being sold in the market and ensuring that consumers are not exposed to adulterated goods.

The actions taken on Tuesday resulted in the seizure of around 35,000 litres of ghee and the sealing of the factory in Jaipur. As laboratory reports are awaited on samples collected during both operations, the food safety department remains vigilant in its efforts to combat food adulteration and protect public health.

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