Key Development

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has suspended the licence of AR Dairy Food Pvt. Ltd., a dairy firm based in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, following a probe into the supply of adulterated ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The suspension, which came into effect on 13 June 2025, prohibits the company from manufacturing, distributing, or selling ghee.

Lab Tests Confirm Adulteration

FSSAI initiated a thorough investigation after receiving complaints regarding the quality of ghee supplied to the TTD, the trust that manages the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The regulator conducted advanced tests — including gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) — to examine the fatty acid profile of the ghee. These tests revealed the presence of sitosterol and other plant-based sterols, which are not naturally found in milk fat. Their presence confirmed that the ghee had been adulterated with foreign fats.

Licensing Violations and False Declarations

The investigation also uncovered that AR Dairy had been repackaging and selling ghee without the proper licensing for such operations. Furthermore, the company reportedly submitted false information to both FSSAI and TTD, violating key provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. Based on these serious infractions, FSSAI stated that the company may face significant consequences, including monetary penalties, imprisonment, and blacklisting from future food-related operations.

Second Suspension After Legal Intervention

This is not the first regulatory action taken against AR Dairy. FSSAI initially suspended the company’s licence on 14 February 2025. However, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court overturned that decision, directing the authority to grant AR Dairy a personal hearing before reissuing any orders. FSSAI complied with the court’s directive, conducted the hearing, and reinstated the suspension on 13 June based on the findings.

No Response from Key Stakeholders

Despite multiple attempts, neither AR Dairy nor officials from the Ministry of Health, FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi, the Southern Regional Office in Chennai, or the Central Bureau of Investigation responded to requests for comment. TTD and its alternative supplier, Sri Vyshnavi Dairy, were also unavailable.

Source: Livemint