HYDERABAD: In a major crackdown on food adulteration, the SOT Malkajgiri and Food Adulteration Surveillance teams conducted a surprise raid on a masala manufacturing and packaging unit at Srinivas Nagar Colony under the Medipally Police Station limits on Thursday.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Malkajgiri Police Commissioner B. Sumati, following credible information about the manufacture and sale of adulterated food products.
During the inspection of Sai Tirumala Enterprises, officials found turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder and garam masala being processed and packed in unhygienic conditions, allegedly without adhering to prescribed food safety standards.
Officials were particularly alarmed to find that the chilli powder contained around 30 per cent ramp powder (cow dung dust), according to police. The team also detected counterfeit packaging and labels allegedly designed to resemble genuine brands and mislead consumers.
Police seized a total of 10,890 kg (10.89 tonnes) of masala products, estimated to be worth around Rs. 25 lakh. The seized material included 2,300 kg turmeric powder, 3,350 kg chilli powder, 5,140 kg coriander powder and 100 kg garam masala.
The teams also examined raw materials, processed powders, packaging materials and machinery used at the premises.
Two persons, identified as Sathyanarayana and Rudrashekar, were taken into custody. The seized material was handed over to Medipally Police, while further action is being initiated under relevant provisions concerning food adulteration, food safety, misbranding and illegal manufacture and sale.
Police Commissioner B. Sumati warned that strict action would be taken against those who endanger public health for illegal profits. She said surveillance on the production, storage, packaging and supply of adulterated food products would continue.
Commissioner Sumati urged consumers to remain vigilant while purchasing packaged food products and to verify the brand name, manufacturing date, expiry/best-before date, batch number, FSSAI details and other mandatory information before making a purchase.
She appealed to the public to report suspicious food adulteration, illegal manufacturing, storage or sale activities to the police at 8712662111.
The operation was conducted with the involvement of Uppal Zone DCP K. Suresh Kumar, SOT DCP K. Manohar, Medipally ACP B. Mohan Kumar, along with SOT Malkajgiri, SOT Uppal Zone and Food Adulteration Surveillance personnel.
Police Commissioner B. Sumati reiterated that any attempt to compromise public health through food adulteration would be dealt with strictly and in accordance with law.