Home checks can flag particular adulterants, but they cannot certify that ghee is pure. FSSAI’s DART guide describes an iodine colour-change check for added starch in ghee or butter. A starch check does not establish whether other fats are present. For concerns about composition, seek laboratory testing.
What the iodine check actually checks
FSSAI’s DART guide says a blue colour after its iodine check indicates mashed potato, sweet potato or other starches in ghee or butter. This is a targeted check for starch, not a complete assessment of the jar.
Does passing a home check prove purity?
No. The result of one check should not be treated as a certificate covering every possible adulterant. For example, an iodine check for starch does not measure milk-fat content, moisture or the fatty-acid characteristics assessed in laboratory methods.
What about fridge, palm and aroma tests?
Online videos describe fridge-setting, palm-melting and aroma checks. We have not verified a primary-source method that makes these a general proof of ghee purity, so we do not recommend using them to certify a purchase.
What a laboratory report can tell you
A report identifies the sample tested, the methods used and the results obtained. Depending on the analysis requested, it may include milk fat, moisture, BR reading, RM value and specific adulteration tests. Read the scope carefully: results for one sample are not automatically evidence for every batch.
Our published guide to FSSAI ghee standards and laboratory tests explains these measurements and gives the results from one sample of our ghee.
What to do if you suspect adulteration
- Keep the jar, packaging, batch details and purchase receipt.
- Ask the seller for a laboratory report identifying the relevant sample, rather than a generic certificate.
- Use FSSAI Food Safety Connect to raise a food-safety concern or check a business’s licence details.
- For testing, contact your state Food Safety Department or consult FSSAI’s guidance on notified laboratories.
FSSAI’s consumer guidance explains that consumers can arrange testing through notified laboratories or report concerns to the Food Safety Department.
Our recommendation
Use official guidance to understand what a particular check can detect. Do not treat a home-check result as a guarantee that food is safe or pure. For a specific concern, use the official complaint and laboratory-testing routes.
Sources
- FSSAI Eat Right India: DART
- FSSAI: Check adulteration, including its starch-in-ghee demonstration
- FSSAI: Food Safety Connect
- Food Safety Connect: consumer queries and laboratory-testing guidance
Last reviewed: 1 November 2026.
Product mentioned: Himachali Cow Desi Bilona Ghee – 500ml.
