Surat: Another suspected fake ghee racket has been exposed in the city, raising concerns over food safety. In a joint operation, Uttaran police and the Food Safety Department seized a large quantity of suspected adulterated ghee from the Avsar Plaza complex near Rangoli Chowkdi in the Uttaran area.

The raid was carried out at shops No. 106 and 108 in Avsar Plaza located in the Umra-Velanja area, where ghee was allegedly being manufactured and packed. During the operation, police detained Nihar Bharatbhai Movaliya, while another accused, identified as Piyush Vitthalbhai Sangani, is absconding.

Over 580 litres of suspected ghee seized

During the raid, officials found 2,228 containers containing about 583.8 litres of suspected ghee, packed in 100 ml, 200 ml, 500 ml, 1-litre, 15-litre and 15-kg packs. The products were allegedly being sold in the market under the names “Shri Sahajanand Gai Ghee” and “Shri Gajanand Gai Ghee.” The seized ghee is estimated to be worth around Rs 3,50,280.

Machinery and raw material also seized

Officials also recovered equipment and raw materials used for preparing the suspected fake ghee, including soybean oil cans, Dalda ghee cans, heating machine, sealing machine, large pans, stove, gas cylinders, weighing scale, bottles, ghee essence, thermometer and measuring cups. The value of the seized equipment is estimated at Rs 1,44,660.

In total, goods worth about Rs 4,94,940 have been seized. Samples of the ghee have been collected and sent to the laboratory for testing.

Probe underway, one accused absconding

Preliminary investigation suggests the ghee was allegedly prepared using soybean oil and other substances and packed under brand names before being sold in the market for around 2 years. Police said further investigation is underway to trace the supply network and locate the absconding accused.

Officials said strict action will be taken if adulteration affecting public health is confirmed. DeshGujarat