Hyderabad, Aug. 4: In a major crackdown on food adulteration, the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) of Hyderabad Police, in coordination with the GHMC Food Safety Department, seized 25 tonnes of allegedly adulterated spices and arrested three persons during raids across Hyderabad.
The joint enforcement drive targeted 13 spice trading, processing, wholesale and retail establishments operating within the Hyderabad Commissionerate limits. Officials alleged that several businesses were involved in procuring, processing and selling adulterated spices using harmful substances that pose serious risks to public health.
During the inspections, authorities seized large quantities of cloves, jeera (cumin), ajwain, mustard and other spices suspected to have been adulterated with synthetic colours, industrial dyes and hazardous chemicals.
According to the police, the seized stock was allegedly treated with synthetic orange, red and green colours, cloth dyes, industrial-grade permanent colours, shining powder (talcum powder), rice bran oil and other harmful substances to enhance the appearance, weight and market value of the spices.
Officials stated that the operation was launched to curb food adulteration and protect public health. Samples of the seized spices have been sent for laboratory analysis, and further investigation is underway to identify the supply chain and others involved in the illegal operation.
Hyderabad Police said strict legal action will be taken against those found responsible for endangering public health through the sale of adulterated food products.