Massive Crackdown on Food Adulteration: Over 6,500 Litres of Fake Ghee Seized

In a significant crackdown, the FSSAI has seized over 6,500 litres of adulterated ghee during enforcement operations in Delhi and Haryana. The raids targeted two manufacturing units, uncovering a large-scale food adulteration network. The investigation began after suspicious advertisements lacking proper licensing prompted further inquiry. The operation involved collaboration with local police and resulted in the confiscation of counterfeit ghee and raw materials, highlighting the ongoing battle against food safety violations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 18, 2026, 16:49 IST

Significant Action Against Food Adulteration

Photo: IANS

New Delhi, June 18: In a significant operation targeting a food adulteration ring, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has confiscated over 6,500 litres of adulterated ghee and related materials during enforcement actions in Delhi and Haryana.

FSSAI inspectors conducted raids on two manufacturing units producing 'desi ghee'—one located in Dwarka, Delhi, and the other in Sonipat, Haryana—where they recovered more than 2,500 litres from the former and around 4,000 litres from the latter. The entire stock was poised for market distribution and was intercepted just in time by the authorities.

Collaboration between FSSAI officials, local police, and Central Food Safety officers was crucial in dismantling the inter-state supply chain responsible for the production and distribution of the counterfeit ghee.

In Delhi, the FSSAI uncovered extensive adulteration at a hidden facility in Dhulsiras village, where they seized approximately 1,020 litres of unidentified oil, believed to be a raw material for the fake ghee, along with 1,500 litres of suspected adulterated ghee.

Meanwhile, in Haryana, officials discovered a larger illegal operation producing counterfeit ghee, seizing over 4,000 litres of suspected adulterated ghee ready for market distribution from M/S Bala Ji Food Products, located at Plot No. 29A, Sector 53, Phase V in Sonipat.

All confiscated items are now under the regulatory custody of the Food Business Operators (FBOs), and a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against the offenders for necessary legal proceedings.

Uncovering the Spurious Ghee Network

The investigation into the widespread illegal ghee production was initiated after the FSSAI noticed digital and print advertisements promoting premium cow ghee and regular ghee that lacked essential FSSAI license details and labeling information, raising suspicions and prompting further inquiry.

Central Food Safety Officers (CFSOs) launched a decoy operation, posing as customers to contact the seller via the advertised mobile number and obtain product samples.

These samples were sent to a NABL-accredited laboratory for thorough analysis, which revealed that they did not meet the prescribed standards for ghee and contained a mix of vegetable oils and other non-dairy ingredients.

Following these findings, FSSAI intelligence teams mapped out the illicit network involved in the manufacturing, storage, and distribution of adulterated ghee. A coordinated operation was executed on Wednesday across multiple locations in Delhi and Haryana, leading to the recovery of over 6,500 litres of counterfeit ghee and associated raw materials.