Food safety officials in Gujarat have seized 44kg of suspected ghee valued at ₹28,600 and destroyed 30 litres of expired ghee during an inspection of Bahuchar Dairy Products in Deesa, Banaskantha district. The action was carried out by the Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) as part of efforts to monitor dairy product quality and compliance with food safety regulations.
Officials collected a sample of loose ghee for laboratory testing and seized the remaining stock for further examination. The department said additional legal action would depend on the findings of the latest laboratory reports.
Expired Ghee and Licensing Concerns Identified
During the inspection, officials found the unit’s owner, Sagar Chokhawala, manufacturing and packing ghee at the premises. The team seized 44kg of loose ghee valued at ₹28,600 for analysis.
Officials also found expired Kaviraj-brand ghee in two packaging sizes: 150 bottles containing 100ml each and 75 bottles containing 200ml each. The total quantity was 30 litres, valued at approximately ₹19,500. The expired products were destroyed during the inspection.
The inspection also raised concerns about licensing compliance. According to the department, the firm had obtained a licence from the central authority for its premises at Plot 23 on GIDC Road in Deesa. However, it was allegedly manufacturing and conducting business without the requisite licence for its activities.
Licensing requirements are an important part of food safety oversight, helping authorities monitor food manufacturing, processing, packaging and distribution operations.
Previous Inspections Found Substandard Ghee
The latest action follows earlier enforcement measures involving products associated with the same business.
On 7 October 2025, officials seized 734kg of Prabhushree Cow Ghee valued at ₹4.15 lakh and collected a sample for laboratory analysis. The sample was subsequently declared substandard.
In another inspection on 15 April, officials seized 449kg of Kaviraj Cow Ghee valued at ₹2.51 lakh. The sample collected during that action was also found to be substandard.
On 5 August 2026, samples of Kaviraj Cow Ghee and Prabhushree Cow Ghee were collected and sent for laboratory analysis.
These earlier findings have placed the firm’s products under continued regulatory scrutiny. However, the results of previous samples should be distinguished from the pending laboratory analysis of the latest seized ghee.
Laboratory Testing to Determine Further Action
The FDCA has stated that further legal proceedings will be initiated against those responsible under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, after the latest laboratory reports are received.
Laboratory testing plays a critical role in determining whether food products meet prescribed quality and safety standards. The results can help establish whether a sample is substandard or otherwise non-compliant with applicable regulations.
For dairy manufacturers, maintaining product quality requires appropriate sourcing of ingredients, hygienic processing, proper packaging, accurate labelling and effective storage controls. Businesses must also ensure that the required licences and approvals cover their actual manufacturing and commercial activities.
The seizure in Deesa highlights the role of regulatory inspections in identifying potentially non-compliant dairy products and removing expired stock from circulation. The final findings of the latest laboratory tests will determine the next steps in the case.
Implications for Dairy Quality and Consumer Confidence
Ghee is a widely consumed dairy product in India, used in household cooking, traditional foods and commercial food preparation. Maintaining consistent quality and meeting food safety requirements are essential to protecting consumers and supporting trust in dairy brands.
Regulatory action against suspected or substandard products also underscores the importance of traceability and accountability throughout the dairy supply chain. Manufacturers and retailers must ensure that products meet applicable standards and that expired goods are not offered for sale.
As the FDCA awaits the latest test results, the case serves as a reminder that food safety compliance involves more than product manufacturing alone. Proper licensing, quality control, packaging, storage and timely regulatory oversight all contribute to maintaining the integrity of India’s dairy market.
