Hyderabad: 25,000 Kg Suspected Adulterated Spices Seized, 3 Arrested

Hyderabad police, in coordination with food safety officials, have seized around 25,000 kg of spices and related materials from 13 processing and trading establishments across the city. Three people have been arrested in connection with the alleged adulteration of these products.

The raids were conducted by the H-FAST team of the Hyderabad Commissioner's Task Force, along with officials from the GHMC Food Safety department. Investigators reported finding a range of suspect substances at the facilities, including synthetic orange, red and green food colours, permanent industrial dyes, cloth dyes, talcum powder, and rice-bran oil.

According to officials, these substances were allegedly being used to make spice products look brighter, heavier and more voluminous. By artificially boosting their appearance and weight, sellers could charge higher prices and earn easy profits, the officials suspect. This practice not only deceives consumers but also poses a serious risk to their health.

At one facility, low-quality or rejected mustard stocks were reportedly mixed with fabric dye, talcum powder and oil to enhance their look and weight. In other units, spices such as cloves and shahjeera were said to be coated with synthetic colours to give them a premium appearance. Permanent industrial dyes were allegedly found in shahjeera, ajwain and other essential spices.

The use of such substances raises serious health concerns. Industrial dyes and synthetic colours are not meant for human consumption, and ingestion can lead to adverse health effects, including allergic reactions and long-term complications. Spices are a staple in most Indian households, making the issue of adulteration particularly significant for public health.

Food adulteration is a punishable offence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which prescribes penalties including imprisonment and fines. The latest action is part of a sustained effort by authorities to enforce these norms and protect consumers.

Three cases have been registered in connection with the raids: two at Mailardevpally Police Station and one at Balapur Police Station. The arrested individuals have been identified as Rahul Bhati, Vishal Panwar and Dulichand Kachhawar.

The Hyderabad operation is part of a wider 140-day food adulteration crackdown led by the H-FAST team. During this drive, officials have conducted 659 enforcement operations and registered 202 FIRs across the city. Nearly 246 tonnes (2,46,822 kg) of suspected adulterated or contaminated food products have been seized, and 232 additional cases have been referred to food safety officers for statutory action. The scale of seizures indicates the extensive nature of food adulteration in the region.

The crackdown has covered a wide range of food items, including spices, ginger-garlic paste, meat, paneer, dairy products, fruits, pickles, tea and water. Officials have also inspected 83 ghee outlets and 46 paneer outlets, and have addressed 96 online public complaints during the same period.

In earlier actions under the same drive, more than 27,000 kg of ginger-garlic paste allegedly prepared using unpeeled or rotten ingredients and chemicals, including titanium dioxide and acetic acid, was seized. Additionally, over 12 tonnes of rotten meat and 60 tonnes of chicken waste were reportedly found in unhygienic conditions at various locations.

Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad City, V.C. Sajjanar, said the enforcement drive is aimed at preventing practices that endanger public health and ensuring that food businesses comply with safety standards. "We will continue strict enforcement against food adulteration and activities that pose a threat to public health. The safety of citizens remains our priority, and those violating food safety norms will face legal action," he said.

Police and food safety officials have stated that enforcement operations will continue across Hyderabad based on credible information and public complaints. They have also urged citizens to report any suspected food adulteration to the authorities.