Gutta Amit Reddy alleges fake ghee sold under Vijaya brand
HYDERABAD: Telangana Vijaya Dairy chairman Gutha Amith Reddy alleged that adulterated ghee is being sold in the market under the Vijaya Dairy (Andhra Pradesh) brand through a franchise given to private firm Meghna Foods.
Speaking at a press conference at Vijaya Bhavan in Lalapet on Saturday along with managing director Chandrasekhar Reddy, Gutha Amith Reddy said the private firm is producing ghee using vegetable oils and selling it in the market under the Vijaya brand name.
Telangana dairy body raises health, farmer concerns
Amith Reddy said nearly 100 tonnes of adulterated ghee are being sold every month in Hyderabad alone, which is damaging the reputation of the Vijaya brand and causing losses to dairy farmers in Telangana.
He added that tests conducted by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) found harmful chemicals beyond permissible limits in the ghee produced with vegetable oils.
Letters sent to Andhra Pradesh government
According to Amith Reddy, the Andhra Pradesh Dairy Federation is not collecting milk from farmers or selling milk products in the state.
He alleged that private players are manufacturing ghee in Gujarat and selling it in Hyderabad under the Andhra Pradesh Vijaya Dairy name, putting public health at risk.
Amith Reddy said Telangana Vijaya Dairy has built a reputation for quality by supplying milk and dairy products collected from farmers directly to consumers.
He said the responsibility to protect the credibility of the government-owned Vijaya brand rests with all stakeholders.
Warning of protests if franchise not withdrawn
Amith Reddy said the Telangana dairy body has already written several letters to the Andhra Pradesh government and brought the issue to the attention of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, but has not received a response.
He urged the Andhra Pradesh government to withdraw the Vijaya franchise given to Meghna Foods in the interest of farmers and consumer health.
“If the government fails to act, we will stop it with the support of Telangana cooperatives,” he said, adding that farmers may launch protests if necessary.
He also advised consumers to purchase milk, ghee and other dairy products only after checking the Telangana Vijaya logo to ensure quality.
