Indore: In a strong enforcement move highlighting intensifying regulatory scrutiny of India’s dairy sector, the district administration and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have suspended three dairy manufacturing licences in Indore after uncovering widespread irregularities in ghee production and marketing.
The action followed a detailed inspection at Shri Ram Milk Food & Dairy Industries, Palda, and two other firms operating from the same premises under separate licences. FDA teams collected 10 ghee samples across multiple brands and pack sizes and seized 3,409 litres of ghee, valued at approximately ₹20 lakh.
Substandard Quality and Systemic Non-Compliance
Laboratory analysis revealed that seven out of ten samples were substandard, failing five critical quality parameters prescribed under food safety regulations. Non-compliant products included multiple variants of SRMI Mother Choice, SRMI Milk Cream, and loose ghee, all produced and marketed by the same business group.
Officials stated that the violations were not isolated lapses but pointed to systemic non-compliance. Investigations established that the three licence-holding entities were effectively functioning as a single operational unit, sharing common entry and exit points, processing machinery, and storage facilities—contrary to claims of independent operations.
Further scrutiny revealed that financial control of all three firms was concentrated with one individual, Narendra Kumar Gupta. Although one unit listed a different proprietor, investigators failed to trace supporting GST documentation or independent banking transactions, raising serious concerns over the legitimacy of the multiple licences.
Repeat Offender and Public Health Risk
The case has been treated with heightened seriousness due to the group’s prior record of violations. Authorities confirmed earlier convictions in Indore, Dewas, Dhar, and Harda, with additional cases pending in Ujjain, Mandsaur, and parts of Rajasthan.
Regulators noted that repeat offences combined with the scale of alleged adulteration represent a direct public health risk and severely undermine consumer trust in dairy products—particularly ghee, a staple consumed daily across Indian households.
In view of these findings, the FDA suspended all three licences with immediate effect. Officials stated that upon completion of the investigation, the full case dossier will be submitted to the competent court for prosecution.
Parallel Enforcement Actions
In a related operation, FDA teams raided Shyam Marketing at Gadi Adda after ghee was found being sold at an unusually low price of ₹270 per kg, far below prevailing market rates. Suspecting adulteration, officials seized 74 kg of ghee and collected four samples for laboratory testing.
Read More: 5 Best Dairy Brands Offering Milk, Curd, Paneer & More in India
Separately, an inspection at Parv Food & Productions, Palhar Nagar, revealed unhygienic conditions in the manufacture and storage of gajak and chikki. Samples were drawn and a formal notice issued, warning that failure to rectify deficiencies within the stipulated period would lead to suspension of the unit’s registration.
A Clear Regulatory Signal to the Dairy Industry
Taken together, these actions send a clear warning signal to dairy processors and food businesses. Regulatory authorities are no longer treating adulteration as a minor compliance issue but as a serious public health and consumer trust violation.
For legitimate dairy operators, the crackdown reinforces the necessity of:
- Strict adherence to food safety and quality standards
- Transparent licensing and financial practices
- Traceable sourcing and processing systems
For consumers, it underscores both the risks of adulterated ghee and the increasing willingness of regulators to act decisively in the interest of food safety.
Join Our “Dairy & Food Jobs Updates” WhatsApp group
Disclaimer
I do my best to share reliable and well-researched market insights but occasional errors or omissions may slip through. Please view all content as informational.
Stay informed on all the latest news updates
All Agriculture Books Free Download
All Dairy Technology Books Free Download
All Agricultural Engineering Books Free download
All Horticulture Books Free Download
All Fisheries Science Books Free Download
For Daily Update follow us at:
Facebook Telegram Whatsapp Instagram YouTube
The contents are provided free for noncommercial purpose such as teaching, training, research, extension and self learning.
If you are facing any Problem than fill form Contact Us
If you want share any article related Agriculture with us than send at info@agrimoon.com with your contact detail.
