Company says no report has found any quality failure and calls sample collection routine, as Maharashtra’s festive-season food crackdown widens.
Patanjali Foods Ltd said on Tuesday that food safety officials have collected samples from certain batches of its Patanjali Cow Ghee for laboratory testing. The company stressed that it has not received any authenticated report showing the product failed to meet quality standards.
The Baba Ramdev-backed company made the disclosure in a regulatory filing to the stock exchanges.
Notice Went to Distributor, Not Company
According to the filing, the official communication about the identified stock was issued to a super distributor, a food business operator (FBO), and not to Patanjali Foods directly.
Directions have been issued on the identified stock, including restrictions on its sale until further action is taken, the company said, citing the communication available to it.
A Day After Maharashtra’s Big Crackdown
The statement came a day after the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the licences of 19 food business operators, including a super distributor of Patanjali Ayurved.
During a special festive-season drive, the state regulator also seized food items worth more than Rs 9 crore. Festivals typically bring a spike in demand for ghee, sweets and dairy products, and with it, a sharper focus on adulteration.
“Sampling Is Not Proof,” Says Patanjali
Patanjali Foods was firm in its defence. It said that as of the date of disclosure, neither the company nor the concerned FBO had received any authenticated lab report showing the samples had failed prescribed quality parameters.
The company added that collecting samples for testing does not, by itself, establish adulteration, substandard quality or any breach of food safety rules.
Cooperation and Verification
Patanjali said it is seeking details and supporting documents from both the FBO and the regulatory authorities. It also said it is willing to cooperate fully and help with independent verification of the batches in question.
“Product quality, consumer safety and regulatory compliance” remain its priorities, the company said. If an authenticated lab report finds any deviation from prescribed standards, Patanjali said it will take corrective action as required by law.
Watching Closely
The company said it is closely monitoring the matter and will inform the stock exchanges of any material developments or fresh directions from regulators.
Why It Matters
Ghee is a staple in Indian kitchens and one of Patanjali’s flagship products. Any question over its quality carries weight for millions of households and for the company’s reputation in a fiercely competitive packaged food market.
For now, the lab results will decide the outcome. Until they arrive, the sale of the identified stock remains on hold, and consumers and investors will be watching closely.