Officials of the Food Safety Department, Jammu and Kashmir, have busted a fake honey and desi ghee manufacturing module operating in Srinagar, uncovering the sale of adulterated products falsely marketed as home-made and traditional.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, teams from the Food Safety Department, Jammu and Kashmir conducted coordinated raids at multiple locations in the Barthana and Qamarwari areas of the city on Monday.

Adulterated materials seized

During the inspections, officials recovered large quantities of hydrogenated oil, which was allegedly being used to prepare and sell a mixture labelled as desi ghee. Sugar and other ingredients were also seized, reportedly used to manufacture a syrupy substance marketed as locally sourced honey.

Officials said the products were packaged and sold in a manner that misled consumers into believing they were buying authentic, home-made food items. The adulterated goods were being supplied in local markets, raising serious concerns about food safety and consumer health.

Public health risk flagged

Food safety officers warned that consumption of such adulterated products could pose long-term health risks, particularly to children, elderly persons and those with existing health conditions. Hydrogenated oils are known to contain trans fats, which are linked to heart disease and other metabolic disorders.

Samples of the seized honey and ghee have been collected and sent for laboratory analysis to confirm the extent and nature of adulteration.

Legal action to follow

Officials said further legal action will be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) norms and relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act once test reports are received.

The department has urged consumers to remain vigilant while purchasing food products and to buy only from authorised and trusted sources. Citizens have also been encouraged to report suspected cases of food adulteration to the authorities to help curb such illegal practices.

The crackdown is part of an ongoing drive by the department to ensure food quality and safeguard public health across the region.