Lucknow. The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has prohibited the manufacture, storage and sale of products marketed as “pooja ghee” with immediate effect, following complaints that non-edible fat products prepared for religious rituals were being sold in a manner that could lead consumers to mistake them for edible ghee. The department has issued directions to all food licence and registration holders across the state, warning that such products could pose a health risk if inadvertently used for cooking or consumption.
According to the department, some manufacturing units are using vegetable fat, refined oils, essences, paraffin, mineral oil and other chemical substances or fats to prepare products intended for religious rituals. These products may resemble edible ghee in colour, smell, appearance and packaging. As a result, consumers could mistakenly use them in food, creating a potential risk to public health.
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The department has directed officials to strengthen monitoring at every stage, from manufacturing and packaging to storage and sale, to ensure that edible and non-edible products remain clearly distinguishable.
Ban on Marketing Non-Edible Products as Ghee
Under the order, manufacturers and sellers cannot use the terms “ghee” or “ghee for pooja” on the packaging of non-edible ritual products or promote them under these descriptions. The restriction aims to prevent consumers from confusing products intended for religious use with food-grade ghee.
Retail packaging must comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. The instructions require the prescribed black cross symbol in the specified size on retail packs. The words “Not Fit for Human Consumption” must also be printed in both Hindi and English.
The department has raised concerns about facilities where edible and non-edible products are manufactured or packaged on the same premises. Such arrangements can increase the risk of mixing, contamination and incorrect labelling, potentially allowing non-edible substances to enter the food supply chain.
The order further states that chemicals found in premises involved in edible fat manufacturing may be treated as adulterants, inviting action under the applicable rules. The department has emphasised the need to prevent products intended exclusively for religious rituals from being misrepresented or entering the market as food items.
20,924 Kg of Adulterated Food Seized Ahead of Navratri
Separately, the FSDA has seized 20,924 kg of adulterated or non-compliant food products across Uttar Pradesh during a statewide enforcement drive ahead of Navratri. The seized material is estimated to be worth approximately ₹66.87 lakh.
Officials collected 176 food samples during the campaign. The licences of two traders were suspended, while action was initiated to register a case against another trader.
The drive covered several districts, with enforcement teams targeting ghee, spices, sabudana, buckwheat flour and other food products suspected of violating food safety standards.
In Bareilly, officials seized 3,281 kg of ghee. In Lucknow, the teams confiscated 748 kg of ghee and 573 kg of other food products. In Noida, 3,559 kg of ground spices were seized from Dharmesh Industries.
In Ghaziabad, authorities confiscated 2,848 kg of sabudana, along with ghee and buckwheat flour. Intensive inspections were also conducted in Kanpur, Unnao and Lakhimpur districts as part of the statewide campaign.
In Mau, officials ordered the destruction of 60 kg of milk and 90 kg of milk cake. The action was aimed at preventing potentially unsafe or non-compliant products from reaching consumers during the festive season, when demand for food items typically rises.
Officials Told to Avoid Unnecessary Harassment of Small Traders
FSDA Commissioner Dr Roshan Jacob has directed officials to take action against food adulteration and violations in accordance with the law while ensuring that small traders are not subjected to unnecessary harassment.
The department has been instructed to focus on effective enforcement against those responsible for adulteration while safeguarding consumers and ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
The increased demand for ghee, milk, sweets, spices and other food products during festivals makes inspections and sample testing particularly important. Authorities are seeking to identify suspected adulteration, verify product quality and prevent unsafe goods from being sold.
Consumers have also been advised to check product labels, descriptions and packaging before purchasing food items. Particular caution is necessary when products intended for religious rituals resemble edible ingredients. Clear labelling and compliance with safety regulations are essential to prevent accidental consumption of non-edible substances and reduce risks to public health.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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