Lead levels 5 times above limit: Patanjali cow ghee recalled

Bhopal: A batch of cow ghee produced by Baba Ramdev-associated Patanjali Foods has been ordered recalled after laboratory testing reportedly found lead levels five times the permissible limit, raising serious concerns over food safety, according to reports.

The recall order was issued by the Madhya Pradesh Food and Drug Administration after a sample of the product failed to meet prescribed safety standards. Reports said the sample contained 0.10 mg/kg of lead, against the permissible limit of 0.02 mg/kg.

The order, issued by the FDA’s designated officer in Burhanpur, cited violations of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, and provisions governing contaminants, toxins and residues.

Patanjali Foods disclosed the order in a stock exchange filing on Saturday, October 24, and said it was appealing against the decision. The company maintained that the recall would have no material impact on its financial or operational activities beyond the value of the affected batch.

The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of food safety and product labelling in India. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India recently directed Dabur India to stop selling food products carrying “100%” claims, citing violations of advertising and claims regulations.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s food safety authorities have intensified enforcement against suspected food adulteration, seizing dairy products and sweets, including ghee, paneer, butter and khoya.