Key Update

A court in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, has fined Patanjali Ayurved Ltd and two other parties after a batch of its cow ghee failed official quality tests. The action stems from a 2020 case, when a routine inspection led Food Safety Officer Dilip Jain to collect a ghee sample from Karan General Store in Kashni, Pithoragarh.

Tests Confirm Adulteration

The sample was first analysed at the Government Laboratory in Rudrapur, where it failed to meet prescribed standards and showed signs of adulteration. Patanjali challenged these results, prompting authorities to send the sample to the National Laboratory in Ghaziabad for a final review. The national lab upheld the earlier findings and confirmed that the cow ghee was substandard.

Court Issues Monetary Penalties

With both state and national labs confirming the lapse, the Food Safety Officer filed a complaint in the court of the Additional District Magistrate, Pithoragarh. After reviewing the evidence, the court imposed penalties on all three parties involved:

• Rs 1,00,000 on Patanjali Ayurved Ltd
• Rs 25,000 on distributor Brahma Agencies
• Rs 15,000 on retailer Karan General Store

Company to Appeal the Decision

Although the lab results and court order clearly established standards violations, Patanjali has disputed the findings and announced plans to appeal the verdict. The case has renewed public discussion on food safety compliance, especially involving widely recognised brands.

Source: The New Indian Express

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