Surat: In a major crackdown on food adulteration, the Surat Police, in coordination with the Food Safety Department of the Surat Municipal Corporation, busted a large-scale fake ghee manufacturing operation in the Laskana area on Sunday and seized over 319 kg of adulterated ghee, along with raw materials used in its production.

Acting on specific intelligence, a joint team from the Police and the Food Safety Department raided a premises operating under the guise of a cattle shed located behind the Ahir Samaj Wadi in Laskana village. During the operation, police recovered 319.54 kg of adulterated ghee, 856 kg of vegetable and soybean oil, artificial essence and other equipment, with the total seized material valued at approximately ₹2.11 lakh.

As per the police, the accused, Alpesh Ishwarbhai Santhaliya (30), a resident of Sainath Society near Kamrej Crossroads, was arrested from the spot. Preliminary investigation revealed that he was producing fake ghee in a hazardous manner by mixing vegetable oil, soybean oil and vanaspati with chemical essence to mimic the aroma and appearance of pure cow and buffalo ghee. A small quantity of genuine ghee produced at the cattle shed was also mixed into the batch to further deceive consumers.

According to officials, the adulterated ghee was sold as “pure cattle-shed ghee” at heavily discounted rates. While pure ghee generally sells for around ₹1,200 per kg, the accused allegedly supplied the fake product to local shops for as low as ₹300 per kg. Customers purchasing milk from him were reportedly sold the adulterated ghee at ₹500 per kg, exploiting their trust.

Health officials accompanying the raid warned that consumption of such adulterated ghee, particularly those made using palmolein and vegetable oils, can lead to serious stomach ailments and long-term heart-related diseases. The risk is considered higher during the winter season, when ghee consumption typically increases.

Samples of the seized ghee have been sent to a laboratory for detailed testing. Police are now investigating the supply chain to determine which shops or hotels in Surat may have received the adulterated product.

A case has been registered against the accused under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, along with other relevant sections of law, and further investigation is underway. Police have urged citizens to remain cautious of unusually cheap food products and report suspected adulteration. DeshGujarat