A fresh controversy over alleged adulterated ghee has surfaced in Hyderabad, triggering sharp reactions from Telangana’s dairy authorities and sparking political debate in both Telugu states. The Telangana Dairy Development Cooperative Federation has raised serious concerns over the sale of fake ghee under the well-known Vijaya Dairy brand name, alleging that private companies were allowed to use the brand during the previous YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh.
The issue has gained attention at a time when the Tirumala ghee adulteration controversy is still making headlines. According to Telangana Dairy Development Cooperative Federation Chairman Gutta Amit Reddy, fake ghee is being sold in Hyderabad using the Vijaya Dairy brand name. He alleged that the product does not meet quality standards and is misleading consumers who trust the cooperative brand.
Amit Reddy stated that samples of the ghee sold under the Vijaya label were sent for testing at the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) laboratory. The laboratory report reportedly found the presence of vegetable oils and chemicals in the samples, raising serious questions about the authenticity and safety of the product. If the findings are confirmed through further investigation, it could point to a major case of food adulteration and brand misuse.
The Vijaya Dairy brand was originally established during the united Andhra Pradesh era to support cooperative dairy development and protect the interests of milk producers. After the bifurcation of the state in 2014, both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana retained rights related to the brand. However, in 2022 the then Andhra Pradesh government reportedly granted licenses to certain private companies to sell milk products under the Vijaya Dairy brand name.
According to Telangana dairy officials, some of these licensed firms are allegedly not following proper dairy procurement practices. It is claimed that instead of collecting milk from farmers, these companies are sourcing ghee from outside states and selling it in the Hyderabad market under the Vijaya brand. Reports suggest that nearly 100 tonnes of ghee are being sold every month in the Hyderabad region through such channels.
Amit Reddy also alleged that ghee brought from Gujarat is being marketed in Hyderabad using the Vijaya brand identity. He said such practices provide no benefit to dairy farmers in Andhra Pradesh and could also negatively impact farmers in Telangana. The federation has urged the Andhra Pradesh government to immediately take action and cancel the franchises that are allegedly selling adulterated ghee under the cooperative brand.
The controversy has once again brought attention to the regulation of dairy products and the protection of cooperative brand names. Experts say that misuse of trusted dairy brands can damage consumer confidence and also affect the livelihoods of farmers who depend on cooperative systems.
With concerns growing over food safety and brand integrity, the issue is likely to draw closer scrutiny from regulatory authorities in both states. Officials may conduct further investigations into the licensing process, supply chains, and product quality to determine whether the allegations of adulteration and brand misuse are valid.
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