Hyderabad: An illegal chocolate manufacturing unit operating in Seetarambagh, Old Mallepally, was busted during a joint operation by the H-FAST Team, the Food Safety Department and Habeebnagar Police.
Officials apprehended the proprietor during the raid.
They alleged that he manufactured, repacked and marketed chocolate products in violation of food safety regulations.
The raid followed specific information received by the H-FAST Team.
Illegal chocolate manufacturing unit found using suspected expired ingredients
During the inspection, officials found several products without mandatory labels.
The products lacked details such as manufacturing date, batch number, expiry date and best-before date.
The inspection team also detected suspected expired flavours, essences, colouring agents and other ingredients.
Officials further identified the use of outdated FSSAI licence details on product packaging.
They also found that the unit had not maintained pest control records.
In addition, food handlers did not possess mandatory medical fitness certificates.
The team seized 200 kg of caramel chocolate and 20 kg of choco balls.
Officials also confiscated chocolate sticks, marshmallow products, jujubi items and assorted flavoured chocolates.
They seized four panning machines, two chocolate melting machines and large quantities of suspected expired food additives.
Authorities handed over the accused and the seized material to Habeebnagar Police Station.
Police registered a case under Sections 318(4) and 275 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and launched further investigation.