Not even Hyderabad’s iconic Osmania biscuits are safe from adulteration. As the (Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Teams) conduct raids across the city, the extent of in a city known for its delicacies is emerging, stunning officials and citizens alike.
“Food adulteration is not just a crime. It is a silent, deadly attack on every household. From the biscuits and ice creams we lovingly give our children to everyday essentials like ginger-garlic paste, tea powder, milk, and curd, adulterators are poisoning the very food we trust. The scale and brazenness of these acts are deeply alarming,” Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar said in a statement.
In the past few days, during 61 raids, teams found ginger-garlic paste being manufactured using spoiled ginger and garlic, acetic acid, synthetic food colour, and stored in drums exposed to dust and flies in Rajendranagar. In two illegal bakeries in Mailardevpally and Gudimalkapur, Osmania biscuits were manufactured using adulterated ingredients and stored under unhygienic conditions.
At Bharath Nagar, officials found spoiled frozen chicken wings stored in unhygienic conditions. An ice-cream unit in Musheerabad was found to be using expired flavouring agents and substandard synthetic colours. At Katedan, a unit was found to be using rotten eggs and hazardous chemicals – sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, and PGPR liquid – to prepare cakes and buns. One unit in Begum Bazar was found repackaging low-quality coconut powder under branded labels.
Across the 61 raids, officials found fake ginger-garlic paste, adulterated paneer, ghee, kova, pickles, and spoilt milk, curd, and dairy products, as well as adulterated spices such as turmeric, chilli powder, and mustard.
Officials also found fake detergent powder and mosquito repellent packed in branded labels. From a dairy products shop, police seized 3,000 kg of fake paneer, adulterated kova and ghee, and palm oil. At an illegal unit, pickles were found to be made with rotten, spoiled vegetables.
“In the past one month, 61 cases have been registered, 15 tonnes of adulterated products seized, and 64 accused arrested. There will be zero tolerance for those who gamble with innocent lives for profit. The fight for a society free from adulteration and for safe, trustworthy food will only intensify,” Sajjanar said.
H-FAST was launched this month to check adulteration at food manufacturing units, eateries, and restaurants. Sajjanar oversees the team tasked with conducting surprise raids across the city. H-FAST comprises 28 personnel, including inspectors, sub-inspectors, and supporting staff, and focuses on the surveillance, detection, and prosecution of offences related to unsafe food. A dedicated toll-free number, 8712661212, has been established for the public to report instances of food adulteration and unsafe food practices.
