The Jammu and Kashmir Government has banned the sale, storage, and distribution of three ghee brands in Jammu district after laboratory analysis found that the products contained sub-standard vegetable oil instead of pure dairy fat.
Officials from the Food Safety Department confirmed that samples of the three brands, Shri Godhan Desi Ghee also spelled Shree Gordhan Eassy Dairy Cow Ghee, and MFP 56 Bhog A2 Desi Gheewere sent to a testing facility in Delhi, where the reports confirmed serious deviations from prescribed quality standards.
According to officials, the three brands, all manufactured in the state of Haryana, failed multiple parameters of purity and safety. “The tests revealed that these ghee brands contained vegetable oil blends not fit for human consumption as pure ghee,” an official said, adding that directions have been issued to immediately withdraw these products from the market.
The ban order, issued by the designated Food Safety Authority, specifically applies to Jammu district, where the consumption of these products was found to be relatively higher. In Kashmir Valley, officials said the sale of these brands is negligible, and hence no widespread restriction was required.
Retailers and distributors in Jammu have been directed to remove the banned products from their shelves, and the Food Safety Department has launched a verification drive to ensure compliance. Legal proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, are also being initiated against the manufacturers and distributors involved.
Authorities have advised consumers to check packaging details and avoid purchasing these particular ghee brands until further notice. “Public health remains our priority, and strict action will continue against sub-standard food products,” an official spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, health officials have urged the public to remain cautious about unverified brands and to purchase dairy products only from reputed manufacturers that conform to FSSAI certification standards.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
Food and Drugs Administration, J&K