More than 11,000 kg of adulterated spices and other food products, including chilli powder allegedly mixed with sawdust, were seized during raids at two units in Hyderabad on Thursday, police said. Two people were apprehended in connection with alleged food adulteration and misbranding.

The Malkajgiri Police Commissionerate said the accused allegedly repacked expired food products with fresh dates and used methods to make adulterated goods resemble products of a well-known company. Turmeric, chilli, coriander and other masala powders were among the seized items, along with machinery used at the units.

Expired Products Allegedly Repacked

Malkajgiri Police Commissioner B Sumathi said the accused allegedly removed products that had crossed their expiry dates and repacked them with new dates before preparing them for sale.

Police also alleged that adulterated spices were processed using food colours and other methods to make them appear similar to products sold by established brands.

“The accused mixed spices with expired products. Chilli powder was found mixed with sawdust,” Sumathi said.

According to police, the accused had allegedly been manufacturing adulterated food products, including turmeric, chilli, coriander and other masala powders, for around three years.

11,220 Kg Food Products Seized

Police conducted raids at two units and seized 11,220 kg of food products along with machinery, officials said.

The seized material included various spice powders and other food products that police suspect were adulterated or misbranded. The authorities said the seized items would be examined to determine the nature and extent of the adulteration.

“Intentional deterioration of quality with inferior substances will not be tolerated,” officials said.

Legal Action To Follow Lab Report

Sumathi said appropriate legal provisions would be invoked against the accused based on the results of laboratory testing.

The two people apprehended during the raids are facing allegations related to food adulteration and misbranding. Further action will be taken after authorities receive the laboratory report, police said.

The investigation will also examine the manufacturing and repackaging activities allegedly carried out at the two units and the distribution of the products for sale.

Malkajgiri Police To Follow H-FAST Model

Officials said the Malkajgiri Police would operate along the lines of the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team, or H-FAST, which has been conducting raids against food adulteration in the city.

Hyderabad Police’s H-FAST has seized more than 280 tonnes of adulterated food products since March this year, according to officials.

Authorities have also warned that stringent provisions of law could be invoked in serious food adulteration cases, including provisions relating to attempt to commit culpable homicide under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The latest raids resulted in the seizure of 11,220 kg of suspected adulterated food products and the apprehension of two people. Police said further legal action would depend on the findings of laboratory tests.

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