From Ayurveda to medical science, everyone considers ghee to be a nutrient-rich liquid that can help boost mental health, physical health, and overall metabolism. But, what if the same ghee turns out to be the reason for your illness? Well, that’s true, because the market is flooded with kilos of adulterated ghee that is not safe for you. Scroll down to find the details.
As per latest PTI report, authorities seized 4,000 kg of suspected adulterated ghee valued at Rs 17.5 lakh from the premises of a firm selling dairy products in an industrial area at Deesa in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district
According to the Gujarat Food and Drugs Control Authority (FDCA), the firm, Shri Navkar Dairy Products, had failed to comply with notices issued in the past under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulation, 2011 and license was cancelled on September 4 last year.
As per the report, the officials at FDCA found that the ghee was adulterated with soybean and interesterified vegetable fat. It is also reported that authorities have taken action under the law and collected a total of 11 samples of different brands of ghee from the firm and have sent them to laboratory tests. Notably, the trading firm was in the past fined Rs 1.25 lakh for adulterating edible oil, and another Rs 25,000 in a criminal case for mixing colour in chillies, the FDCA said.

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.