Andhra Pradesh Dairy Federation orders tests after Telangana raises allegations on Vijaya Ghee

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Andhra Pradesh Dairy Development Cooperative Federation has initiated testing of Vijaya brand ghee samples following allegations from Telangana authorities that the product being sold in that state may be adulterated. The issue surfaced after Telangana Dairy Development Cooperative Federation Chairman Gutta Amit Reddy claimed that laboratory tests had detected vegetable oils and chemicals in ghee marketed under the Vijaya brand.

Responding to the allegations, an official of the Andhra Pradesh Dairy Development Cooperative Federation (APDDCF), Venkataramana, said the federation has not received any formal complaint from the Telangana government or from any individual regarding adulteration of Vijaya ghee. However, considering the seriousness of the allegations, the federation has sent samples of the product for testing at a NABL-accredited laboratory.

“We have not received any official complaint so far from Telangana authorities or any consumer regarding adulteration. Nevertheless, based on the allegations, we have sent the samples to an NABL-accredited laboratory for testing. The results are expected within a week to ten days,” Venkataramana said. He added that the federation had conducted similar tests on Vijaya ghee samples in December last year, and no irregularities were found at that time.

The controversy began after Telangana Dairy Development Cooperative Federation officials alleged that ghee marketed under the Vijaya brand in Telangana was being produced outside Andhra Pradesh and did not involve milk sourced from AP farmers. According to Amit Reddy, the product was allegedly manufactured in Gujarat and sold under the Vijaya label through private channels.

He said samples of the ghee had been sent for testing at a laboratory associated with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), where tests reportedly indicated the presence of vegetable oils and chemical additives. The Telangana federation warned that it would initiate legal action against both the private firm involved and the Andhra Pradesh dairy federation if the allegations were proven. The Telangana official also stated that authorities in the state were considering steps to block the sale of Vijaya-branded dairy products if they were found to be adulterated.

In response, APDDCF officials clarified that the Vijaya brand franchise rights were granted only after thorough scrutiny, ensuring that the franchisee possessed adequate manufacturing infrastructure and complied with required standards. Venkataramana said the same due diligence process had been followed while approving the franchise operating in Telangana. “Franchise permissions are granted only after verifying the existence of proper manufacturing units and compliance with regulations,” he noted.

The Vijaya dairy brand was originally a cooperative brand associated with the undivided Andhra Pradesh state. After the bifurcation of the state in 2014, both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana retained rights over the brand. In Telangana, Vijaya Dairy continues to function under the cooperative sector, procuring milk from local farmers and supplying dairy products directly to consumers. In Andhra Pradesh, however, the cooperative dairy structure weakened over the years, and several district unions began functioning independently.

The issue has also triggered political criticism within Andhra Pradesh. Some leaders have alleged that during the previous state government’s tenure, franchise rights for the Vijaya brand were granted to private companies under controversial circumstances.

According to reports, a private firm based in Hyderabad had been given franchise rights around three years ago, allowing it to market Vijaya-branded dairy products in certain regions. Political leaders claim this decision led to reputational damage to the cooperative brand.

APDDCF officials said the matter would become clear once the laboratory results of the latest samples are received. “If the tests confirm any irregularities, appropriate action will be taken as per regulations,” the official said, adding that the federation remains committed to protecting the credibility of the Vijaya brand and ensuring the quality of dairy products sold under its name.