Adulterated Spices |Hyderabad, Aug 4 (Maxim News):: The Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H FAST), in coordination with the GHMC Food Safety Department, carried out a major enforcement drive against spice trading and processing units across the Hyderabad city.
The special operation targeted the use of harmful chemicals, food adulteration, misbranding and other violations that threaten public health.
Acting on credible public information, the joint teams inspected 13 business establishments engaged in the procurement, processing and wholesale or retail trading of spices across the Hyderabad Commissionerate limits. During the raids, officials seized 25.3 tonnes of adulterated spices along with 89.15 tonnes of raw materials, hazardous chemicals and processing equipment. Police also registered three criminal cases and arrested three persons.
The cases were registered at Mailardevpally Police Station (two cases) and Balapur Police Station (one case).
The arrested accused have been identified as Rahul Bhati of Katedan, Vishal Panwar of Begum Bazar and Dulichand Kachhawar of Begum Bazar.
Adulterated Spices | Industrial Dyes, Talcum Powder Mixed in Spices
Investigators found serious violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, during the inspections. Officials alleged that some traders mixed industrial chemicals and non edible substances with spices to increase their weight, improve their appearance and earn illegal profits.
The raids uncovered the use of synthetic food colours, fabric dyes, industrial permanent colours, talcum powder, rice bran oil and other hazardous substances in several spice products.
In one manufacturing unit, rejected mustard stocks were allegedly mixed with cloth dye, talcum powder and oil to enhance their shine, weight and volume before sale.
Officials also found cloves and shahjeera coated with synthetic colours to make them appear fresh and premium. Permanent industrial dyes were allegedly used to adulterate shahjeera, ajwain and several other commonly used spices.
The teams seized 7,920 kg of adulterated ajwain, 6,700 kg of jeera, 4,960 kg of mustard, 2,280 kg of shahjeera, 550 kg of cloves, 540 kg of saunf and 2,350 kg of jeera dust. They also confiscated 13,460 kg of fenugreek seeds, 10,000 kg of sesame seeds, 90 kg of shining powder, 12 litres of rice bran oil, 1.5 kg of synthetic and fabric dyes, and three rolling machines used in the processing.
Food Safety officials collected spice samples and chemical additives from the seized stocks for laboratory analysis. Authorities have initiated legal proceedings against the business owners under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and other relevant laws.
Adulterated Spices | HFAST Seized 246 Tonnes of Adulterated Food in 140 Days
While addressing scribes, Hyderabad Commissioner of Police V.C. Sajjanar said H FAST has launched an aggressive campaign against food adulteration to safeguard public health.
He said the department will continue conducting surprise inspections and take stringent action against those endangering consumers by selling adulterated food products.
The Commissioner revealed that H FAST has conducted 659 raids within just 140 days of its formation. During the period, officials registered 202 FIRs, seized nearly 246 tonnes of adulterated food, and handed over 232 cases to GHMC Food Safety authorities for further action.
The teams also inspected 46 paneer outlets and 83 ghee outlets, besides resolving several complaints received from the public.
The inspections exposed several alarming practices across the city. Officials seized more than 27 tonnes of adulterated ginger garlic paste prepared using rotten and unpeeled ingredients mixed with chemicals such as titanium oxide and acetic acid.
They also confiscated over 12 tonnes of rotten chicken and mutton, 60 tonnes of foul smelling chicken waste, 25.8 tonnes of chemically ripened fruits, 9.2 tonnes of adulterated pickles, 3.8 tonnes of adulterated tea powder, 1.5 tonnes of synthetic paneer, 2.5 tonnes of adulterated curd, 3.2 tonnes of adulterated cream, ghee and oil, besides taking action against substandard RO water plants and units manufacturing ice creams, samosas and biscuits under unhygienic conditions.
Police Issue Public Advisory
Police warned that consuming food mixed with industrial dyes, synthetic colours and talcum powder can cause serious health problems, including liver and kidney damage, cancer, stomach disorders, allergic reactions and long term damage to the nervous system.
The Hyderabad Police urged citizens to purchase food products only from licensed vendors and verify proper packaging, labelling and valid FSSAI licence details. Officials advised consumers to avoid unusually bright coloured spices, loose products and unbranded food items sold at unusually low prices.
Citizens were also asked to report any instances of food adulteration or unhygienic food preparation by calling Dial 100 or the H FAST helpline at 8712661212. Police assured that the identity of informants would remain confidential.
The special drive was conducted under the supervision of DCP Task Force Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath, along with Inspectors Ranjith and Anjaiah, Sub Inspectors Shanker, Krishna, Akhil and the H FAST team in coordination with GHMC Food Safety officials. (Maxim News)
Adulterated Spices : Hyderabad Police Commissioner Sajjanar addressed press conference
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