Mehsana:  In a significant crackdown on food safety, the Mehsana District Food Department has exposed an adulteration racket involving popular brands of jaggery (gur). Lab reports have confirmed that several samples of the “Rasmalai” and “Popat” brands contained prohibited synthetic food colors, posing a direct threat to public health.

The crackdown began approximately two months ago when food safety officers conducted raids at Mal Godown and Nadiyasan GIDC. The investigation targeted two prominent entities: Harikrishna Marketing and the firm of Patel Satishkumar Mohanlal.

During the raids, officials collected samples that were sent to laboratories for rigorous testing. The results, recently released, indicate that six samples of these popular brands failed to meet safety standards. The tests revealed that prohibited synthetic colors were being used to manipulate the product’s appearance:

• Desi jaggery was dyed to appear a deep, traditional brown.
• White jaggery was treated to look exceptionally shiny and “sparkling” to attract consumers.

Health authorities have issued a stern warning regarding the consumption of such adulterated jaggery. The synthetic chemicals used to enhance color are known to cause severe damage to the liver and kidneys. Officials noted that because jaggery is a staple in most households and frequently consumed by children, the presence of these “poisonous” additives is particularly dangerous.

The investigation took a controversial turn during a live media report when a shopkeeper associated with one of the firms made a candid admission. He claimed that “everything is duplicate” and suggested that the adulteration is a widespread open secret in the market.

According to the merchant, the jaggery arrives in bulk from Kolhapur as plain, unlabeled blocks (ravas). Local traders then apply their own brand stickers—such as the ‘Popat’ mark, before selling them to the public. The trader even alleged that the initial adulteration often begins at the production level before the goods reach the distributors.

The Mehsana District Food Department has initiated court proceedings and legal action against Harikrishna Marketing and Patel Satishkumar Mohanlal.

In light of these findings, the department has expanded its scope to investigate other varieties of white and desi jaggery sold across the district to ensure no other contaminated products are reaching kitchen tables. Authorities have emphasized that playing with public health for the sake of profit is a serious offense, with some officials suggesting that such blatant adulteration should be treated with the severity of a criminal act.