Hyderabad, August 4:In a major crackdown on food adulteration, the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) of the Commissioner’s Task Force, in coordination with the GHMC Food Safety Department, conducted raids on spice trading and processing units across the city.
Officials inspected 13 establishments and seized over 25 tonnes of adulterated spices containing hazardous chemicals, synthetic dyes, talcum powder, industrial colours, and other harmful substances used to enhance the appearance and weight of food products.
Police registered three criminal cases—two at Mailardevpally Police Station and one at Balapur Police Station—and arrested Rahul Bhati (Katedan), Vishal Panwar (Begum Bazar), and Dulichand Kachhawar (Begum Bazar).
During the raids, authorities seized adulterated ajwain, jeera, shahjeera, mustard, cloves, fennel, methi seeds, sesame seeds, synthetic dyes, talcum powder, rice bran oil, and processing machinery. Samples have been sent for laboratory testing, and legal action has been initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Officials warned that consumption of adulterated food can cause liver and kidney damage, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, allergic reactions, and long-term neurological problems.
H-FAST’s 140-Day PerformanceSince its establishment, H-FAST has:Conducted 659 raidsRegistered 202 FIRsSeized 246 tonnes of adulterated foodHanded over 232 cases to GHMC Food Safety officialsPrevious operations also resulted in the seizure of adulterated ginger-garlic paste, rotten meat, chemically ripened fruits, synthetic paneer, adulterated ghee, tea powder, pickles, and substandard RO water.
Hyderabad Police urged citizens to purchase food only from licensed vendors, avoid brightly coloured or loose spices, verify FSSAI labels, and report suspected food adulteration through Dial 100 or the H-FAST Helpline: 8712661212.