Massive Food Adulteration Crackdown Sees 25 Tonnes of Fake Spices Seized in Hyderabad

Authorities have launched one of the biggest crackdowns on food adulteration in Hyderabad, uncovering a large quantity of counterfeit spices during coordinated inspections across the city. The operation is part of an intensified campaign to eliminate unsafe food products from the market and protect public health.

According to Cyberabad Commissioner of Police VC Sajjanar, enforcement teams conducted simultaneous raids at thirteen spice manufacturing and trading units. During the inspections, officials seized more than twenty five tonnes of adulterated spice products along with over eighty nine tonnes of raw materials believed to have been used in the manufacturing process.

Investigators said the raids exposed the alleged use of substances that are not permitted in food production. Authorities found evidence indicating the use of synthetic dyes, industrial colouring agents, cloth dyes, talcum powder and rice bran oil in the preparation of counterfeit spice products. Samples have been collected for further scientific examination.

The operation also resulted in the registration of three criminal cases and the arrest of three suspects. Officials said the investigation will continue to identify others who may be connected to the adulteration network and determine the scale of distribution across the region.

Sajjanar warned that consuming adulterated food products can pose serious health risks and urged consumers to purchase spices only from trusted sources. He also said stricter surveillance and enforcement measures would continue to prevent such products from reaching the public.

To strengthen future action, authorities are planning to establish a dedicated Special Investigation Team to exclusively handle cases related to food adulteration. The proposed unit is expected to improve coordination between enforcement agencies and accelerate investigations into food safety violations.