3,100 kg adulterated ghee seized in Ahmedabad: 7 ways to identify fake ghee at home

Ghee, also known as clarified butter, is an Ayurveda-approved food item, which is highly valued for its medicinal properties, and is believed to promote digestion, boost immunity, and nourish the skin and hair. But, what if the ghee you are using is made with vegetable fat, fatty acid mono, and diglycerides and can lead to major health issues? As per latest news reports, the Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) has taken action against a trader involved in ghee adulteration and seized 3,100 kg of ghee during a raid at Shri Kshem Kalyani Milk and Milk Products in Kheda district.

As per reports, During the raid, officials collected three samples and seized 3,100 kg of adulterated products worth Rs 8.75 lakh. Gujarat FDCA commissioner has mentioned that during the raid they seized 1500 kg of ghee, 1600 kg of butter and oil, and 1 liter of ghee flavouring. The FDCA has suspended the firm's FSSAI license with immediate effect to prevent further adulteration activities and has imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on the trader.

While adulteration of ghee and other edible items has become quite common, it is important for the masses to take extra care while buying foods. Here are a few tips and tricks one can follow while buying ghee and identify fake ghee.

Appearance and texture: Traditionally, ghee in its purest form has a golden color, rich and creamy texture. When held against light it should appear translucent and clear. The pale color of ghee could be indicative of preservatives and one should avoid it.


Packaging and label: It is important to pay special attention to the packaging and label of ghee products. A genuine ghee brand will have all major certificates of regulation compliances on it. The license number, date of packaging, expiry should be thoroughly checked before buying ghee.

Aroma and flavor: Naturally, ghee has a nutty flavor and a smooth consistency. The ghee should never smell burnt as it has a high heating point. The burnt smell could be because of the presence of water or addons. Hence, such ghee should be avoided at all costs.

While one can judge the ghee using the above-mentioned criteria before buying it, there are also other ways by which you can ensure that the ghee you are consuming is beneficial.

Palm test: Simply, pour frozen ghee on your palm and if it starts melting instantly then the ghee is pure. Else, it is not and such ghee should be avoided.

Water test: Fill a glass of normal water at room temperature, add ghee to it, if the ghee floats it is unadulterated and if it sinks then the ghee is infused with foreign material.


Salt test: Add a pinch of Hyaluronic acid and tablespoon of salt to two spoons of ghee , after 20 minutes check the color of the ghee. If the ghee has turned red it means it is adulterated.

Iodine test: Add two drops of iodine solution to ghee if it turns purple then the ghee has a presence of starch in it.

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