Key Update

Hyderabad Police and food safety officials have seized around 25,000 kg of spices and other materials during a major crackdown on suspected food adulteration across the city.

The H-FAST team of the Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force, along with GHMC Food Safety officials, conducted raids at 13 spice processing and trading establishments. Investigators allegedly found synthetic orange, red and green food colours, permanent industrial dyes, cloth dyes, talcum or shining powder and rice-bran oil being used in spice processing.

Officials suspect that operators used these substances to enhance the colour, shine, weight and volume of spices and sell them at higher prices.

Rejected Mustard Stocks Allegedly Adulterated

At one facility, officials allegedly found low-quality and rejected mustard stocks mixed with fabric dye, talcum powder and oil to artificially improve their appearance, weight and volume. Investigators also reportedly found spices such as cloves and shahjeera coated with synthetic colours to give them a brighter and more attractive appearance.

Officials further detected the alleged use of permanent industrial dyes in shahjeera, ajwain and other essential spices, raising concerns about potential risks to consumers.

Three Cases Registered, Arrests Made

The operation led police to register three cases—two at Mailardevpally Police Station and one at Balapur Police Station. Police also arrested three people in connection with the alleged adulteration activities. The spice raids form part of H-FAST’s wider 140-day food adulteration crackdown. During the operation, officials conducted 659 enforcement operations, registered 202 FIRs and seized nearly 246 tonnes (2,46,822 kg) of suspected adulterated or contaminated food products.

Officials also referred 232 cases to food safety officers for statutory action. The wider crackdown has covered a range of products, including spices, ginger-garlic paste, meat, paneer, dairy products, fruits, pickles, tea and water. Officials inspected 83 ghee outlets and 46 paneer outlets and addressed 96 complaints received through online platforms.

27,000 Kg of Ginger-Garlic Paste Seized

In another major finding, officials seized more than 27,000 kg of ginger-garlic paste allegedly prepared using unpeeled or rotten ingredients and chemicals, including titanium dioxide and acetic acid. Officials also reportedly found more than 12 tonnes of rotten meat and 60 tonnes of chicken waste stored under unhygienic conditions.

Enforcement to Continue Across Hyderabad

Hyderabad Police said the enforcement drive aims to prevent practices that could endanger public health and ensure that food businesses comply with food safety standards.

Police and food safety officials said they will continue inspections across Hyderabad based on credible information and complaints from the public.

The crackdown highlights the risks associated with the use of unauthorised colours, industrial dyes and other non-food substances in spices. Consumers should purchase spices from reliable sources and remain cautious about products with unusually bright colours or an unnatural appearance.

Source: NDTV