In a shocking revelation, two of India’s most trusted food brands — Patanjali and Amul — have failed to meet the required purity and safety standards in laboratory tests conducted by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Months after samples were collected, the test reports have confirmed that Patanjali’s refined oil and Amul’s curd did not meet the prescribed quality benchmarks.
The FSDA has also announced that 15 quintals of adulterated khoya (milk solids) brought in before Diwali will be destroyed to prevent it from reaching the market.
Patanjali Oil Fails Quality Test
According to FSDA officials, the team had conducted a surprise inspection at Patanjali’s Carrying and Forwarding (C&F) warehouse — Tejaswi Traders — located in the Beli Par area’s Chanu alias Betuwa village on April 29. During the raid, the authorities seized 1,260 liters of refined, soybean, and palm oil packed in damaged or dented tins.
These oils were later transferred into large plastic drums for testing. The laboratory report, received after nearly six months, revealed that the sample failed the purity standards, indicating possible adulteration or poor handling during storage.
Assistant Commissioner Dr. Sudhir Kumar Singh confirmed that the Patanjali oil samples were substandard, making them unfit for consumption. In addition to oil, the officials also collected samples of honey, turmeric, coriander, and other spices from the warehouse, whose results are still awaited.
Amul Curd Also Found Substandard
In another case, the FSDA team collected samples of Amul curd from a vehicle carrying dairy products in the Golghar area of Gorakhpur in September. According to the report received recently, the curd failed to meet the quality and purity norms as well.
Officials suspect that improper refrigeration or transportation practices may have affected the curd’s quality. The report has now been sent to higher authorities for necessary legal action against the supplier and distributor.
15 Quintals of Adulterated Khoya to Be Destroyed
Ahead of the Diwali festival, the department also intercepted 15 quintals of khoya (a milk product often used in sweets) that had been brought to Gorakhpur through bus and Humsafar Express trains. The khoya was suspected to be adulterated or of substandard quality, and the department decided to dispose of it safely.
Dr. Sudhir Kumar Singh explained that 12 quintals of the khoya were brought by bus, while 3 quintals arrived via train from Kanpur. “The total estimated value of the seized khoya is around ₹3 lakh. Since no verified buyer came forward to claim it with proper sampling, we will destroy it in Sahjanwa’s Suthni area with the help of the Municipal Corporation,” he said.
Officials have emphasized that this step is necessary to protect public health and ensure that adulterated products do not reach the market, especially during the festive season when dairy demand is at its peak.
FSDA Tightens Food Safety Monitoring
The Gorakhpur Food Safety and Drug Administration has been conducting random inspections across the district to monitor food quality during festivals like Diwali, when adulteration cases typically rise. The department is focusing on milk, sweets, oil, and ghee products, which are most vulnerable to contamination.
Officials have warned that strict action will be taken against manufacturers, distributors, and retailers found guilty of violating food safety regulations. The latest results have raised serious questions about quality control even among well-known national brands.
Consumer Advisory
Health experts urge consumers to buy only sealed and labeled products, check for expiry dates, and avoid purchasing loose or unpackaged food items during the festive season. They also recommend avoiding products sold at suspiciously low prices, as these could be adulterated or unsafe.
Authorities have assured that all possible steps are being taken to maintain food purity and protect consumer safety across Uttar Pradesh.
