'Fake' ghee being sold in UP govt canteens

Thinking of following the age-old wisdom and introducing 'desi ghee' in your diet? Hold your horses if you are a resident of western Uttar Pradesh (UP), especially Baghpat, Badaut, Bulandshahr, and Mathura, for these areas are teaming up with shops selling 'fake' ghee. In fact, if the UP government employees' association is to be believed, this adulterated ghee is being supplied in some government canteens as well.

The association had written a letter in this regard to the state's Food Department, a copy of which is with DNA. Sources said this ghee was a combination of refined oil, vanaspati oil, and desi ghee scent, and hazardous chemicals were being used to prepare it.

Reportedly, instead of milk fat, this fake ghee has animal fat, crushed animal bones for the granular texture, palm oil, and desi ghee essence.

UP Food Safety and Drug Department Assistant Commissioner (Meerut zone) Ram Naresh Yadav confirmed to DNA that they have received complaints regarding these illegal units in western UP being engaged in making adulterated ghee.

According to the government staffers' association, the reach of this racket is so deep that this ghee is being supplied even to the government canteens. When asked about the action being taken in the matter, Yadav said that senior officials in the department have been informed.