Hyderabad police raided two food units, seizing over 11,000 kg of adulterated spices and expired goods. The accused allegedly mixed sawdust into chili powder to mimic premium brands.

  • Police raided two food processing units in Hyderabad.
  • 11,220 kg of adulterated spices and expired products seized.
  • Two suspects apprehended for misbranding and repacking expired goods.
  • Sawdust was found mixed in chili powder to increase volume and color.

In a massive crackdown on food adulteration, the Malkajgiri Police Commissionerate conducted raids on two food processing units in Hyderabad, seizing a staggering 11,220 kg of adulterated spices and expired food products. The operation has sent shockwaves through the local food industry, highlighting the scale of illegal manufacturing occurring within the city.

According to Malkajgiri Police Commissioner B. Sumathi, the accused were engaged in a sophisticated scheme to deceive consumers. They were allegedly taking products that had long passed their expiry dates and repacking them with fresh labels and updated expiration dates. Furthermore, the suspects used machinery to mimic the packaging of well-known, reputable spice brands to ensure their products blended seamlessly into the market.

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Dangerous Adulteration Methods Revealed

The investigation revealed horrifying details about the composition of the seized spices. The culprits were not just repacking old goods but were actively manufacturing adulterated powders. Most alarmingly, chili powder was found mixed with sawdust to increase weight and maintain a certain texture. Additionally, artificial food colors were used to make the turmeric, coriander, and chili powders appear fresh and high-quality.

The accused have allegedly been manufacturing these adulterated products for the last three years, posing a continuous threat to public health.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such large-scale adulteration is a direct assault on public health. Consuming spices contaminated with sawdust or industrial dyes can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues and long-term toxicity. This raid underscores the critical role of the H-FAST (Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team), which has seized over 280 tonnes of adulterated food items since March of this year.

The police have emphasized that they are awaiting formal laboratory reports to finalize the charges. Depending on the chemical analysis, the authorities may invoke stringent sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to attempting to commit culpable homicide, due to the life-threatening nature of the substances sold.

Did You Know?: The H-FAST team in Hyderabad has been instrumental in removing over 280 tonnes of unsafe food from the market this year alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What was found in the chili powder?
Answer: Police found that the chili powder had been adulterated with sawdust to increase volume.

Question 2: What kind of legal action is being taken?
Answer: Authorities are awaiting lab reports to potentially charge the suspects under BNS for attempt to commit culpable homicide.