The Jubilee Hills Zone’s Commissioner’s Task Force in Hyderabad has dismantled a tea powder adulteration operation, leading to the detention of a 33-year-old businessman. Authorities apprehended Jagannath Bishnoi, who is accused of improperly mixing synthetic colors and cocopeat with low-quality tea dust to increase his profits. The operation was executed after receiving reliable intelligence.

During investigations, Bishnoi confessed to the fraudulent practice, stating that he mixed cocopeat with excess coconut husk and combined this with hot jaggery water. This mixture underwent a drying process spanning two to three days before synthetic food colors, including Sunset Yellow and Tartrazine Orange, were incorporated. The colored cocopeat mixture was then subjected to further drying, ensuring its use in the adulteration of tea powder.

Composition of Adulterated Tea Powder

According to police, to create one kilogram of the adulterated tea powder, Bishnoi combined 450 grams of low-quality tea dust, 500 grams of low-quality tea granules, and 50 grams of color-infused cocopeat. The resulting adulterated product was then distributed to local tea stalls and dealers at inflated prices, falsely marketed as authentic tea powder.

Seizures Made During the Operation

In the course of the raid, law enforcement officials confiscated a substantial quantity of materials. The seizure included 120 kilograms of tea powder mixed with colors, 30 kilograms of natural tea powder, and 138 kilograms of cocopeat mixture. Additionally, authorities seized a weighing machine, 800 grams of Sunset Yellow, 700 grams of Tartrazine Orange, one gas cylinder, three handles, one beaker, and 12 boxes of 500-gram jaggery, alongside 10 kilograms of carry bag bundles.

Collaboration with Local Police

The operation was led by West Zone Task Force Inspector CH Yadendar, supported by Sub-Inspector D Ravi Raj and personnel from the Commissioner’s Task Force, West Team Hyderabad, in conjunction with Banjara Hills Police. Authorities emphasized the importance of vigilance in food safety, urging the public to purchase tea powder only from reputable and authorized sellers. They advised citizens to promptly report any suspected food adulteration cases.

Warnings Issued to Food Business Operators

Law enforcement cautioned food business operators regarding the dangers associated with food adulteration, which poses significant health risks. Those found involved in such activities may face serious legal repercussions, including criminal charges, as authorities remain dedicated to curbing food safety violations.

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