Malkajgiri police raid spice unit, seize 10.89 tonnes of adulterated powders

Malkajgiri police raided an alleged adulterated-spices unit in Medipally and seized 10.89 tonnes of turmeric, chilli, coriander and garam masala powders worth Rs 25 lakh. Police said sawdust was found in chilli powder and fake labels were used on products.

Hyderabad: The Malkajgiri police raided an alleged adulterated spices manufacturing unit in Medipally and seized 10.89 tonnes of turmeric, chilli, coriander, and garam masala powders worth an estimated Rs 25 lakh.

The raid was conducted at Sai Tirumala Enterprises located in Srinivas Nagar Colony by the Special Operations Team (SOT), Malkajgiri, and Food Adulteration Surveillance teams.

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According to the police, the unit was manufacturing and packing turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder and garam masala without adhering to prescribed food safety and hygiene standards. Officials found that around 30 per cent saw dust was mixed with chilli powder, raising concerns over the health risks posed to consumers.

The inspection also revealed the use of fake packaging and labels resembling established brands, allegedly to pass off the adulterated products as genuine branded goods. Police said inferior-quality food products were being given attractive packaging before being supplied to the market.

The seized material included 2,300 kg of turmeric powder, 3,350 kg of chilli powder, 5,140 kg of coriander powder and 100 kg of garam masala, taking the total to 10,890 kg.

Malkajgiri Police Commissioner B Sumathi said authorities would deal firmly with those compromising public health for illegal profits. “Food is essential for human life and adulterating it and putting public health at risk will not be tolerated,” she said, adding that police would continue to monitor the manufacture, storage and supply of adulterated food products.