H-FAST officials conducted a major operation in the Katedan area of Hyderabad and busted a large-scale adulteration racket involving fake spices. During searches at 13 spice trading establishments, officials seized 25 tonnes of counterfeit spices along with another 89 tonnes of adulterated stock that was ready for processing. The gang was allegedly adulterating commonly used spices such as cumin, cloves, shahjeera, mustard, fenugreek, fennel and small mustard seeds with harmful chemicals and selling them under the labels of popular brands.
Officials found that industrial fabric dyes, synthetic colours, talcum powder, rice bran oil and, in some cases, even hair colour were being used to enhance the colour and appearance of the spices. The gang was also allegedly collecting low-quality waste left after extracting oil from cloves and processing it with hazardous chemicals. Special machinery and equipment were reportedly brought from Indore for the adulteration process before the products were sent to local markets.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner Sajjanar said the raids were conducted based on information received from the public. He warned that consumption of chemically adulterated food could pose serious health risks, including liver and kidney problems, gastrointestinal disorders, severe allergies and potentially cancer. Samples seized during the raids have been sent for laboratory testing, and strict action will be taken under food safety laws. He said that in the 140 days since the launch of H-FAST, officials have conducted raids at 659 locations, registered 202 FIRs and seized 246 tonnes of adulterated food products.
