Srinagar, Jan 12: Food Safety officials early Monday morning uncovered a racket peddling adulterated honey and ghee.
The makers of this “sweet mixture” preyed on unsuspecting consumers amid soaring winter demand in Kashmir, the officials said.
The “natural honey” deception involved concocting fake honey from sugar syrups.
In addition, hydrogenated oil mixtures were being prepared to be passed off as pure desi ghee. Officials from the Food Safety Department, led by Assistant Commissioner Food Safety Yameen-ul-Nabi, conducted joint raids in the Qamarwari and Barthana areas, in collaboration with the DO Police Station Qamarwari, early Monday morning.
The team raided a makeshift “factory” where fraudsters were churning out these counterfeits.
The fakes were being packaged as authentic Kashmiri products and sold as home-made.
The authorities seized 36 kg of adulterated ghee and 15 kg of fake honey.
Assistant Commissioner Yameen said possible ghee adulterant hydrogenated oils were recovered alongside sugar packs.
This was being used to whip up deceptive honey mixtures.
“Samples of the confiscated items have been sent for laboratory analysis,” he said.
Yameen said that the module was busted on a tip-off.
The fakes were being marketed as premium, home-made Kashmiri specials, damaging public trust and health.
He said many vendors selling such products in the busy markets of Srinagar were also “rounded up” by a Police team accompanying the food safety officials.
“We have taken samples from their merchandise as well, and those will also be tested,” he said. “This action underscores our commitment to ensuring safe, authentic, and hygienic food for Srinagar’s citizens.”
During winters in Kashmir, demand for natural honey skyrockets.
Locals relish it for its perceived warming properties, immune-boosting benefits, and as a traditional remedy against cold and flu.
The scammers are fleecing consumers not just financially, by charging premium prices for synthetic mixtures, but also risking public health.
The department has advised people to purchase food items from reliable sources only. Consumers have also been advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the department.
