Patanjali Cow Ghee Seized in Maharashtra: Rs 20.20 Lakh Worth Confiscated

In a significant enforcement action, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized 2,279.7 liters of Patanjali cow ghee valued at Rs 20.20 lakh from a distributor in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. This seizure is part of a larger crackdown during the festive season, where the FDA has confiscated food products worth Rs 9.01 crore from various establishments across the state.

The operation targeted M/s Divya Mahavitarak, a super distributor for Patanjali Ayurved, where the FDA found the ghee to be potentially misbranded and adulterated. The confiscated stock included 4,032 units, with a breakdown of 2,998 units containing 1,349.1 liters worth Rs 12.29 lakh and another 1,034 units with 930.6 liters valued at Rs 7.91 lakh. The FDA indicated that these products may have violated the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

This seizure is part of a broader initiative by the FDA, which has led to the confiscation of approximately 3.53 lakh kg of food items from 114 establishments statewide. The operation also resulted in the suspension of licenses for 19 food business operators due to serious hygiene violations, including improper food storage and inadequate pest control measures.

In Nagpur, the FDA's inspection drive included 34 hotels, restaurants, and dhabas, resulting in 29 notices issued for food safety and hygiene deficiencies. Although the FDA did not specify which Nagpur establishments were inspected, this highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining food safety standards, especially during peak consumption periods.

The implications of this crackdown extend beyond immediate regulatory compliance. For consumers, particularly in Maharashtra, the incident serves as a reminder that even well-known brands like Patanjali are not exempt from scrutiny. The FDA has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that food products meet safety and quality standards, emphasizing that consumer trust must not overshadow food safety obligations.