From Korea to Tirumala: SIT finds Monoglycerides used in adulterated ghee supply

Amaravati: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged supply of adulterated ghee to Tirumala during the previous YSRCP regime has found that monoglycerides, a chemical emulsifier, were used on a large scale in the manufacture of the ghee supplied by Bhole Baba Dairy.

The findings broadly align with laboratory reports of the National Dairy Development Board’s CALF laboratory, which indicated the possible presence of animal fats in ghee samples sent by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

Import trail: Korea to Delhi to Tirumala

According to the SIT chargesheet, monoglycerides used by Bhole Baba Dairy were imported from South Korea by a Delhi-based firm, Raghubir Saran Overseas. These chemicals were subsequently procured by Sugandh Oils and supplied to Bhole Baba Dairy.

During raids conducted on April 23 last year at Sugandh Oils, investigators reportedly found large quantities of monoglycerides stored in 200-kg drums bearing the brand label “Venus.”

The labels indicated that the product was manufactured by IL Shin Wells Co Ltd. A few days later, when the SIT inspected Bhole Baba Dairy’s facility in Bhagwanpur, Uttarakhand, the same monoglycerides were allegedly found there as well.

What are Monoglycerides?

Monoglycerides are typically produced either from vegetable oils or animal fats. Those derived from vegetable oils are costlier, while animal-fat–based monoglycerides are significantly cheaper.

Investigators suspect that animal-fat–based monoglycerides may have been used in the adulterated ghee to reduce costs and mimic the texture and shelf life of pure ghee.

Lab reports flag possible Animal Fats

In July 2024, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams sent four ghee samples collected from tankers supplied under the guise of AR Dairy to the NDDB–CALF laboratory in Gujarat. The lab reports suggested the possible presence of beef tallow and pork fat.

Key indicators cited in the report included deviations in the ‘S-value’, which should normally range between 95.90 and 104.10. One sample recorded an S-value of 23.22, pointing to possible beef fat, while another showed an S-value of 116.09, indicating potential pork fat contamination.

Fake invoices and mislabelled purchases

The SIT also stated that Bhole Baba Dairy purchased monoglycerides from Sugandh Oils using fake invoices, falsely describing them as edible oils.

Investigators questioned why monoglycerides would be procured under the guise of cooking oil unless there was an attempt to conceal their actual composition, particularly if they were derived from animal fats.

Chemical mix to mimic pure ghee

Apart from monoglycerides, the SIT alleged that Bhole Baba Dairy mixed palm oil, palm kernel oil monoglycerides, beta-carotene, acetic acid ester, and food-grade lactic acid to manufacture adulterated ghee.

These additives were reportedly used to ensure the product passed laboratory tests as “ghee,” while also extending shelf life and enhancing appearance.

Unanswered question: Source of Monoglycerides

While the SIT has clearly stated that monoglycerides were used in the adulterated ghee, it has not conclusively determined whether these were derived from vegetable oils or animal fats.

Given the NDDB–CALF lab findings and the cost factor, critics argue that the likelihood of animal-fat–based monoglycerides being used is high.

Observers note that a deeper investigation into the origin and composition of the monoglycerides could have provided critical clarity in a case involving religious sensitivities, public health, and large-scale financial fraud.