In a major food safety crackdown, the Mehsana District Food Department has uncovered an adulteration racket involving popular jaggery (gur) brands ‘Rasmalai’ and ‘Popat’. Laboratory tests have confirmed that several samples contained banned synthetic food colours, raising serious health concerns.
The action began around two months ago, when food safety teams conducted raids at Mal Godown and Nadiyasan GIDC, targeting firms including Harikrishna Marketing and Patel Satishkumar Mohanlal.
Samples collected during the raids were sent for testing, and recent reports revealed that six samples failed to meet safety standards. Officials found that synthetic colours were used to enhance the appearance of jaggery — desi jaggery was artificially darkened to look rich brown, while white jaggery was treated to appear unusually shiny and attractive.
Health authorities have warned that such adulteration can be dangerous, as the chemicals used may harm the liver and kidneys. Since jaggery is widely consumed in households, especially by children, the risk is considered serious.
The case took a controversial turn when a shopkeeper linked to one of the firms admitted during a media interaction that adulteration is common in the market. He claimed that jaggery is often sourced in bulk from Kolhapur as plain blocks and later branded and sold under different labels after processing. He also alleged that adulteration may begin at the production stage itself.
Following the findings, authorities have initiated legal action against the firms involved. The food department has also expanded its investigation to check other jaggery products sold across the district.
Officials stressed that compromising public health for profit is a serious offence and warned of strict action against those found guilty.