Hyderabad, July 17: The Telangana Food Safety Department has intensified its crackdown on adulterated ghee, seizing 850 kg of suspected adulterated ghee during a statewide special enforcement drive. The inspections were conducted on July 14 and 15 in coordination with the police, Food Safety Commissioner Dr. Sangeetha Satyanarayana announced.Officials said the inspections were launched following credible information that some manufacturers were mixing palm oil, vanaspati, and other fats with ghee. Preliminary findings revealed that certain licensed manufacturers were producing adulterated ghee, while several unlicensed units were also found manufacturing and selling ghee without mandatory registrations.A total of 91 ghee samples were collected from 65 establishments across the state and sent for laboratory testing. Action will be initiated against violators based on the test results. During inspections in Hyderabad’s Cure area, officials inspected 14 establishments, collected 15 samples, destroyed 60 kg of unfit ghee, and seized 850 kg of suspected adulterated ghee pending laboratory confirmation.According to the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, ghee must contain at least 99.5% milk fat, with moisture content not exceeding 0.5%. Mixing vegetable fats such as palm oil or vanaspati with ghee is prohibited under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.The department also issued notices to five establishments for violating food safety norms. Consumers have been advised to purchase ghee only from licensed and trusted brands, verify the FSSAI licence number and manufacturing details before buying, preserve purchase bills, and report suspected adulteration or illegal sales to the Food Safety Department.