Tirupati Laddu: FSSAI notice to ghee supplying company, is there animal fat in your ghee?

Adding animal fat to ghee

This can be a serious problem, which can be harmful to health. Such adulteration spoils the quality of ghee. Adding animal fat can increase harmful fats, which can increase the risk of high cholesterol levels, heart disease and other health problems.

How to identify adulteration in ghee

According to FSSAI (Reference) There are some home and scientific methods available to detect adulteration of ghee with animal fat. Although the most accurate method to identify adulteration is laboratory testing, you can still check its purity with some home methods.

Freeze Test

• Put one spoon of ghee in a glass container and keep it in the fridge.
• If the ghee solidifies completely and evenly, then it may be pure.
• If it solidifies in separate layers or forms white and yellow layers, it probably contains animal fat.

With these 4 easy ways, you can identify the real and fake Desi Ghee

Melting temperature

Pure ghee normally melts at 37°C (98.6°F). If the melting temperature of ghee is higher, it may indicate adulteration with animal fat, as animal fat has a higher melting temperature.

Iodine Test

Iodine can detect other fats added to ghee. If the colour changes when a few drops of iodine are added to ghee, it is probably adulterated.
This test may require a proper laboratory visit.

Aroma and taste, colour and texture

• The smell of pure ghee is light and fragrant.
• Adulterated ghee may have an unnatural or strong odor, and may also taste different.
• Pure ghee is light golden in colour and has a soft texture.
• Depending on the presence of animal fat, its colour may be dark or off-white and its texture may also vary.
• Always buy genuine and certified brand of Ghee which is certified by FSSAI or other standards.
• Avoid buying loose ghee as there are high chances of adulteration in it.