Hyderabad: An adulterated spices seizure by the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) and GHMC Food Safety officials led to the recovery of more than 25 tonnes of contaminated spices during raids on 13 spice trading and processing units across the city on Tuesday. Police arrested three persons and registered criminal cases in Mailardevpally and Balapur police stations.
The arrested accused were identified as Rahul Bhati, Vishal Panwar and Dulichand Kachhawar. Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar announced the action while addressing a press conference.
Adulterated spices seizure exposes unsafe ingredients
Sajjanar said officials found spices mixed with industrial dyes, synthetic colours, talcum powder, fabric dye and rice bran oil. According to police, traders used these substances to improve appearance and increase profits.
Officials sent samples to laboratories for testing. Meanwhile, police initiated legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The Commissioner warned that consuming adulterated food products could cause liver and kidney damage, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, allergies and nervous system complications.
Furthermore, H-FAST urged citizens to report food adulteration through Dial 100 or the dedicated helpline, 8712661212. Officials assured the public that they would keep the identity of informants strictly confidential.
Adulterated spices seizure highlights H-FAST enforcement
DCP, Task Force, Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath led the special drive with Inspectors Ranjith and Anjaiah, Sub-Inspectors Shanker, Krishna and Akhil, and other team members. They conducted the raids in coordination with GHMC Food Safety officials.
Officials said H-FAST has intensified inspections across Hyderabad since its formation. Within 140 days, the team conducted 659 raids, registered 202 FIRs and seized nearly 246 tonnes of adulterated food.
In addition, the department referred 232 cases to GHMC Food Safety officials for further action. It also inspected 46 paneer outlets and 83 ghee outlets. Moreover, officials resolved several complaints received from the public.