Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST), in a joint operation with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Food Safety Department, seized 25 tonnes of adulterated spices containing hazardous chemicals and arrested three people during raids across the city.
The special enforcement drive targeted spice processing units and trading establishments suspected of using harmful chemicals and misbranding food products. Acting on public complaints, officials inspected 13 establishments involved in the procurement, processing and sale of spices.
During the operation, authorities recovered large quantities of spices allegedly mixed with dangerous chemicals and registered three criminal cases at different police stations.
The arrested accused have been identified as Rahul Bhati, Vishal Panwar and Dulichand Kachhawar, all residents of Hyderabad.
Spices Allegedly Mixed With Harmful Chemicals
According to Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar, the inspection revealed the use of synthetic food colours, fabric dyes, industrial-grade permanent colours, talcum powder and rice bran oil to improve the appearance, weight and quality of spices.
Officials found that low-grade mustard was allegedly mixed with cloth dye, talcum powder and oil to increase its shine and weight. Spices such as cloves, shahjeera and ajwain were also allegedly coated with synthetic and industrial colours before being sold in the market.
The crackdown was launched to curb food adulteration, ensure compliance with food safety standards and protect public health.
Over 246 Tonnes of Adulterated Food Seized in 140 Days
Police said H-FAST has intensified its action against food adulteration since its formation. In the last 140 days, the team has conducted 659 raids, registered 202 FIRs and seized nearly 246 tonnes of adulterated food.
Officials also revealed that previous inspections led to the seizure of 27 tonnes of adulterated ginger-garlic paste, which was allegedly prepared using rotten ingredients and harmful chemicals, besides over 12 tonnes of rotten meat and 60 tonnes of unhygienically stored chicken waste meant for supply to hotels.
Authorities said strict legal action will continue against those involved in food adulteration to ensure the safety of consumers.