Hyderabad seizes 25,300 kg of spices adulterated with dyes and talcum powder
In a coordinated crackdown on food adulteration, the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) Food Safety Team have seized more than 25,300 kg of spices contaminated with fabric dyes, talcum powder, industrial dyes, and synthetic colours. The seized stock was intended for supply in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
According to officials, the haul included 7,920 kg of ajwain (carom seeds), 6,700 kg of jeera (cumin), 4,960 kg of mustard, 2,350 kg of jeera dust, 2,280 kg of shajeera (caraway), 550 kg of cloves, and 540 kg of saunf (fennel seeds). Additionally, 89,150 kg of raw material used for adulteration was confiscated.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said on Tuesday that the enforcement drive was based on credible information. The teams inspected 13 business establishments and independent outlets involved in the procurement, processing, and wholesale or retail trading of spices. The operation also uncovered violations related to misbranding and non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
At one manufacturing facility, low-quality and rejected mustard stocks were mixed with fabric dye, talcum powder, and oil to artificially enhance their gloss, weight, and volume. In other units, spices such as cloves and shahjeera were coated with synthetic colours to give them a bright, premium appearance, while permanent industrial dyes were used on shahjeera, ajwain, and several other essential spices, a press note stated.
Mr. Sajjanar demonstrated the adulteration by placing authentic and contaminated samples of cloves and fennel seeds in separate glasses of water. The water containing the adulterated spices changed colour quickly, while the pure samples showed no such reaction. The Commissioner also displayed a sachet used for adulterating mustard seeds, bearing the warning 'poisonous and non-edible'. The accused reportedly told investigators that they had learned these methods from Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Three cases have been registered, and three people have been arrested. They were identified as Rahul Bhati, a resident of Katedan, and Vishal Panwar and Dulichand Kachhawar, residents of Begum Bazar. The police also played videos showing how the spices were treated at the units.
DCP Vaibhav Gaikwad of the Task Force and H-FAST explained that the adulterated mustard retained its dye even after being mixed with water, indicating the use of non-permitted industrial substances. All seized products and chemical additives have been sent for laboratory analysis.
Citizens who suspect food adulteration can report it to H-FAST’s toll-free number 8712661212 or via its X handle @HFastHCP. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate in efforts to ensure safe food supplies.
