25 tonnes of adulterated spices seized in Hyderabad; 3 arrested

Hyderabad police’s H-FAST unit, in coordination with GHMC Food Safety, seized 25 tonnes of adulterated spices and arrested three men during raids across the city. Hazardous chemicals and industrial dyes were found in spice units, prompting three criminal cases and a public advisory to buy only from licensed vendors.

Hyderabad: In a major crackdown on food adulteration, Hyderabad Police’s Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST), along with the GHMC Food Safety Department, seized over 25 tonnes of adulterated spices and arrested three persons.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Rahul Bhati of Katedan, Vishal Panwar and Dulichand Kachhawar of Begum Bazaar.

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Acting on inputs, inspections at 13 establishments engaged in the procurement, processing and sale of spices uncovered the use of hazardous chemicals, industrial dyes and other non-edible substances to enhance the appearance, weight and market value of spices.

Police registered three criminal cases, two at Mailardevpally Police Station and one at Balapur Police Station.

During the raids, officials seized adulterated stocks of ajwain, jeera, cloves, mustard, fennel and jeera dust, besides large quantities of raw materials including fenugreek and sesame seeds.

Addressing a press conference, City Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar on Tuesday said some units mixed rejected mustard stocks with fabric dye, talcum powder and oil to improve their colour, gloss and weight. In other premises, spices were allegedly coated with synthetic colours, while industrial-grade dyes were used to adulterate spices.

Police said H-FAST over the past 140 days conducted 659 raids, registered 202 FIRs, seized nearly 246 tonnes of adulterated food, and referred 232 cases to GHMC Food Safety authorities for further action.

Hyderabad Police requested citizens to purchase food products only from licensed vendors and report suspected food adulteration through Dial 100 or the H-FAST helpline 8712661212.