Srinagar, June 25: Acting on a specific complaint regarding the sale and distribution of suspected counterfeit ghee marketed under the brand name “Verka”, Food Safety Teams of the Food & Drugs Administration (FDA) conducted inspections at multiple locations in Jammu and Srinagar.
During the inspections, officials seized 91 cases of the suspected product, including 55 cases from Jammu and 36 cases from Srinagar. The seized stock bore Manufacturing Number 16, Batch Number F956210, Manufacturing Date May 11, 2026, and Expiry Date May 10, 2027.
According to officials, the confiscated consignment comprised approximately 1,092 kilograms of ghee valued at around ₹6.61 lakh. The stock has been taken into custody under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Enforcement samples of the product have been collected and sent to the laboratory for analysis, while relevant records have been secured as part of the ongoing investigation.
Preliminary inquiries have also revealed that a similar consignment of nearly 100 cases had reportedly been returned by a Food Business Operator. Authorities said this aspect is also being examined.
The investigation aims to determine the source and authenticity of the product and ascertain whether it is counterfeit, misbranded, sub-standard, or otherwise in violation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Appropriate legal action will be initiated based on the laboratory findings and the outcome of the investigation.
The Food & Drugs Administration has appealed to consumers and stakeholders to report any suspected food safety violations through the toll-free helpline number 104 or via email at [email protected].
Officials emphasized that public cooperation is crucial for ensuring food safety and protecting consumer interests across the Union Territory.
