Ghee, also known as clarified butter, is a staple in many Indian households and is highly valued in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties, 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? Well, 25 tons of such adulterated ghee was recently seized in Surat. Scroll down to read the details and how one can identify fake ghee.
As per reports, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) raided a factory in Masma, GIDC Olpad, Surat, and seized 25 tons of adulterated “pure ghee.” As per reports, two arrests have been made in this case. It has also been reported that the officials have seized 496 boxes of adulterated cow ghee, valued at Rs 23.84 lakh, essence and other raw materials worth Rs 69.67 lakh, machinery valued at Rs 16.59 lakh, packing materials worth Rs 7.55 lakh, and two mobile phones. The total value of the seized materials amounts to Rs 1.17 crore.The primary investigation revealed that the accused used to supply packed ghee to Maharashtra and Rajasthan.They sold the adulterated ghee under the brand names Shubh Cow Ghee, Labh Cow Ghee, Oreo Cow Ghee, and Savro Cow Ghee. And during the investigation officials found empty boxes labelled with the brand names Dharti, Radhe, and Krishna.
The officials also seized essence and a mixture of vegetable fat, fatty acid mono, and diglycerides, which were used to manufacture the adulterated ghee. And the samples of these raw materials have been sent for forensic examination.
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.
Boil test: Simply boil the ghee and remember that ghee has a higher heating point so if it starts smelling as burnt then you know it is not pure ghee. Bubbles and steam when boiling the ghee are also indicative of adulterated ghee. After you have boiled the ghee, refrigerate it in a jar. If you see layers forming in the jar there is a presence of some other oil too in the ghee.
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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