Now Reading: UP bans ‘puja ghee’, orders warnings on non-food packs
-
01
UP bans ‘puja ghee’, orders warnings on non-food packs
The Uttar Pradesh government has banned the manufacture, storage and sale of products marketed as 'puja ghee', citing risks of accidental consumption of inedible fat-based substances. In an order issued on Saturday, 10 October 2026, FSDA commissioner Roshan Jacob directed all food licence holders to stop producing or selling any product under the name 'puja ghee'.
The regulator noted that products used for rituals often resemble edible ghee in colour, texture, fragrance and packaging, and may contain vanaspati, refined oil, paraffin, mineral oil and artificial essences. Manufacturers are prohibited from using the word 'ghee' on non-food items, and must display 'Not for Human Consumption' in Hindi and English along with a black cross mark on retail packs.
The FSDA has also banned companies from selling edible ghee and inedible worship products under the same brand name. Stocks found in violation can be seized, and licences or registrations of erring establishments may be suspended. The directions are effective immediately across Uttar Pradesh.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Both outlets report the UP FSDA order identically, covering the same prohibitions on the 'puja ghee' label, packaging warnings, brand-name separation, and enforcement measures. The Times of India adds the commissioner's name and the risk of cross-contamination at shared premises, while Hindustan Times focuses on the consumer confusion angle. The coverage is uniform straight reporting with no discernible slant. The order takes immediate effect, with seizure of stocks and licence suspension as enforcement tools.
Coverage: 2 sources, 2 neutral
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report), hindustantimes.com (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry. Methodology and corrections.
