Daijiworld Media Network - Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nov 2: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized more than 2,279 litres of Patanjali cow ghee, valued at Rs 20.20 lakh, from a warehouse in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar over suspected quality violations. The raid was conducted as part of efforts to prevent the sale of potentially adulterated food products during the festive season.

According to officials, an FDA team carried out a surprise inspection at the warehouse of M/s Divya Mahavitarak, owned by Vijay Kaduba Jadhav, near Cambridge School in the Sundarwadi area. The quality of the Patanjali cow ghee stored there for sale came under suspicion, following which food safety officers seized the stock under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.

The seized consignment comprised 4,032 units containing a total of 2,279.7 litres of ghee. The first batch consisted of 2,998 units, amounting to 1,349.1 litres and valued at Rs 12,29,180. The second batch comprised 1,034 units, containing 930.6 litres and worth Rs 7,91,010.

The total market value of the seized stock was assessed at Rs 20,20,190.

Following preliminary findings of possible violations of food safety regulations, the officials issued seizure orders under Form III. Samples of the ghee have been sent to an authorised laboratory for testing. The actual quality and composition of the product will be established after the test results are received.

Joint Commissioner Shrikant Karkale warned that the FDA would continue strict action against those endangering public health by selling suspected adulterated or substandard food products, particularly during the festive season.

The seizure has triggered concern among food traders, while the FDA has reiterated its commitment to checking the sale of unsafe food items and protecting consumers.