The Haryana government has banned products sold under the name ghee. Ghee will no longer be sold under different names, such as ghee for havan or ghee for puja.
Ban on analog cheese and ghee: Ghee banned in Haryana.
The Haryana government has taken a major step against adulteration of food and beverages and products that mislead consumers. The state government has banned the manufacture, sale, storage, and supply of products that do not meet the standards of ghee for one year. This order is applicable throughout Haryana.
This government decision comes at a time when the Food Safety Department is continuously taking action against food quality and adulteration in the state. This order prohibits counterfeit products being sold in the market under the name of ghee.
Who will be banned?
According to the Haryana government's order, any product sold or advertised as ghee but that does not meet the prescribed composition and quality standards will be prohibited from sale and distribution. Specifically, products sold under names like Ghee for Pooja, Ghee for Diya, Vanaspati Ghee, Cooking Ghee, Table Ghee, and Ghee for Havan are also covered by this order. These cannot be sold in the market under the name of ghee.
Is pure ghee also banned?
This government decision does not mean that the sale of all types of ghee has been banned. Ghee that meets food safety standards will continue to be sold. The order clarifies that pure ghee is not banned.
When is the order in effect?
This ban is effective from August 21, 2026, for a period of one year. This means that if the order is not revoked, it will remain in effect until August 2027. The order, issued by Haryana's Food Safety Commissioner, Dr. Manoj Kumar, invokes Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Crackdown on cheese and butter too?
Along with ghee, the Haryana government has also imposed a one-year ban on the sale of analog, or non-dairy, cheese and margarine under the guise of butter. Analog cheese includes products that resemble and taste like regular cheese, but replace milk fat, either entirely or partially, with vegetable oil and vegetable fat.
Who will be affected?
This government decision will also affect businesses such as hotels, restaurants, dhabas, catering units, eateries, and cloud kitchens. They are prohibited from using, storing, or selling such non-dairy or analog cheese. The government emphasizes that the name of the product sold to the customer is correct.
