VMD 511: Animal Welfare, Ethics and Jurisprudence (2+0)

Frauds in sale of Ghee

FRAUDS IN THE SALE OF GHEE

Some of the methods of adulteration of ghee are by adding vegetable oils, hydrogenated oils (seasame oil) or animal fat (Mutton or beef fat).

• By adding vegetable oils
  • Ghee is adulterated with vegetable oils or hydrogenated oils. Vegetable fat contains phytosteryl which is not present in ghee. Phytosteryl acetate test is carried out to prove a sample of ghee has been adulterated with vegetable oil or hydrogenated oils.
• By adding hydrogenated oils
  • It is compulsory to add a definite quantity of seasame oil to all vegetable ghee in India.
  • Presence of seasame oil is supposedly pure ghee is a sure indication of adulteration with vegetable ghee.
  • Boudouin test is used to detect presence of seasame oil in ghee.
• By adding animal fats
  • Ghee is adultered with mutton or beef fat.
  • Adulteration of milk and milk products is punishable under I.P.C Section 272
  • Selling of unfit food or drink is punishable under Section 273 I.P.C Section 272 whoever adulterates any article or food drink, so as to make such article noxious as food or drink intending to sell such article as food or drink or knowing it to e likely that the same will be sold as food or drink, shall e punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.