Full Breakdown
Delhi Food-Safety Drive Seizes Over 322 kg of Ghee Ahead of Festive Discounts
By Drooid · · How we work
Ghee Seizure Amid Discount-Driven Inspections
The Delhi Food Safety Department conducted targeted inspections of retail outlets that were promoting “Buy One, Get One Free” offers and discounts of up to 60 % on social-media reels. During the operation, officials seized more than 322 kg of ghee for laboratory analysis. Two separate raids accounted for the bulk of the haul: at Maxcart Store and Aggarwal Store in Vikaspuri, over 75 litres of ghee were taken, while at Aggarwal Store in Hastal village, 246 kg were confiscated. Enforcement samples of ghee from the Shri Shaan, Vrinda Farms and Avtar brands were also collected.
Background: Festive-Season Food-Safety Concerns
The inspections were timed for the upcoming festive period, when demand for cooking oils and sweets spikes. Earlier in the month, the department had tested 59 desi-ghee samples from markets across Delhi, finding 19 unfit for consumption and four that fell short of safety standards—more than 42 % of the batch failed to meet prescribed criteria, as reported on October 17. Parallel checks at sweet-manufacturing units uncovered pest activity, missing licence displays and inadequate hygiene practices.
Data & Statistics
- Ghee seized: >322 kg total (75 litres in Vikaspuri; 246 kg in Hastal).
- Previous ghee testing: 19 of 59 samples unsafe; 4 substandard; >42 % non-compliant.
- Other food items sampled: sugar-boiled confectionery (Sahib Sons, Azad Market), makhana and turmeric powder (Jain Store, Lajpat Nagar), biscuits, soft candy and sugar-based candy (Yug Basket Private Limited, Rithala).
- Discount promotions inspected: “Buy One, Get One Free” and up to 60 % off advertised via social-media reels.
Official Statements & Responses
She directed the Food Safety Department to tighten monitoring of markets, storage facilities and online food-sale platforms, and warned that any violation of food-safety rules would trigger legal action. The department added that the seized ghee and other collected samples would be examined alongside laboratory test reports before any further steps are taken, and that shortcomings in compliance had been recorded at the inspected establishments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Consumers should remain vigilant and check the quality and packaging of food products, along with their manufacturing date and expiry date, before making a purchase,” — Ms. Gupta, delhi chief minister
- “The festive season is a time of joy and celebration, but no compromise on food quality or people’s health will be acceptable,” — Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, delhi chief minister
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ slightly on the volume of ghee seized in Vikaspuri, citing 75.50 litres, 75.53 litres and “over 75 litres.” All agree that the total seized exceeds 322 kg, but the mixed use of litres and kilograms for the two locations creates a minor reporting inconsistency. No source provides the final laboratory results for the seized ghee, leaving the ultimate determination of adulteration or substandard quality pending.
What’s Next
Ongoing monitoring of retail and online food outlets is planned throughout the festive season, with the aim of ensuring that every Delhi household has access to safe, quality food. Consumers are urged to verify packaging, manufacturing dates and expiry dates before purchase.