Ghee used for worship and lighting lamps is not always edible. What is the difference between the ingredients, manufacturing process and uses of puja ghee and edible desi ghee? Know the possible health risks associated with unknowingly consuming puja ghee, ways to identify genuine ghee and important things to keep in mind while buying.
Health Tips: It is not necessary that the ghee used for worship and lighting lamps should always be edible. Some products sold in the market for puja look like desi ghee, but their ingredients and manufacturing process may be different from edible ghee. In such a situation, it is important that consumers understand the difference between puja ghee and pure desi ghee and read the information written on the packet while purchasing.
1. What is the difference between puja ghee and edible desi ghee?
Edible pure desi ghee is made from fat obtained from milk, curd, butter or cream. According to Indian food safety standards, ghee must contain fat derived from milk and its quality must conform to prescribed standards. At the same time, products sold for puja can be used for the purpose of lighting lamps or performing religious functions. Some products may contain non-edible fats or other ingredients. Therefore, do not assume that puja ghee is safe to eat just by looking at its color, fragrance or name.
2. What harm can consuming ghee for puja cause to health?
If the product meant for puja is not edible, consuming it may pose health risks. Depending on the ingredients and quality, it may cause symptoms such as stomach upset, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. The risk may increase if the product contains contaminated or unsuitable substances. However, it cannot be said that every puja ghee will have the same side effects. The actual risk depends on its content and quality. If you accidentally consume it and experience any problems, consult a doctor. Do not intentionally use it in food.
3. How to identify genuine and edible ghee?
While buying ghee, read the product name, ingredients, manufacturer’s information and purpose of use carefully on the packet. Check food labels and applicable food safety statements on products meant for consumption. FSSAI related information on packaged food products in India can also be checked. Purity cannot be confirmed just by looking at yellow colour, consistency or aroma. If there is doubt about the purity of ghee, choose a product that conforms to the standards. If it is clearly written on the product purchased for puja that it is not for eating, then do not consume it at all.
4. Why is it important to keep separate ghee for worship and cooking?
Use the product purchased for puja for the purpose for which it is made and sold. Do not keep ghee or other oil used for lighting lamps in the edible ghee container. This reduces the risk of accidentally using the wrong product. If a person has accidentally consumed a non-edible puja product, keep the product packet handy and show its contents to the doctor if needed. Do not try home remedies like inducing vomiting on your own. The safest approach is to use only products clearly labeled for food use and proven safe.