Punjab steps in to check adulterated desi ghee

Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 16

Alarmed at adulterated desi ghee making its way into Punjab markets, the state government has restricted its manufacture and sale. Henceforth, desi ghee derived from milk fat alone will be allowed for sale in the state.

Some manufacturers, including reputed brands, were reportedly mixing cost-effective fat derived from hydrogenated vegetable oil and palm oil. According to health experts, this was being done only to cut the production cost. “Foreign fat is unfit for human consumption and cannot be allowed,” said an expert.

Talking to the Tribune, Commissioner Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) KS Pannu said the government lab at Kharar had pointed out that numerous samples of desi ghee did not contain milk fat.

A notice has already been issued asking those dealing with the manufacture/sale/distribution of the product to file objections, if any, within 15 days. Designated food safety officers have been directed to share the information with food business operators.