Hyderabad H-FAST Seizes Over 25,300 Kg of Adulterated Spices, Arrests Three
The Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST), operating under the Hyderabad Police Commissioner’s Task Force, in coordination with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) Food Safety Team, has seized more than 25,300 kilograms of adulterated spices and 89,150 kilograms of raw materials. Following inspections across 13 establishments, three individuals were arrested for processing and selling contaminated spice stocks meant for distribution across the Telugu states.
What Happened
Acts of enforcement were initiated based on credible intelligence, leading joint teams to inspect 13 business establishments and independent trading locations involved in procuring, processing, and trading spices. Authorities discovered that lower-quality and rejected stocks were being mixed with harmful additives, including fabric dyes, talcum powder, oil, synthetic colours, and permanent industrial dyes to increase product volume, weight, and gloss.
During a press conference on August 4, 2026, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar demonstrated the extent of adulteration by placing spice samples in water glasses, where synthetic dyes quickly altered the liquid’s colour. A sachet recovered during the raid, used to coat mustard seeds, explicitly bore the label ‘poisonous and non-edible’. Three individuals—Rahul Bhati from Katedan, alongside Vishal Panwar and Dulichand Kachhawar from Begum Bazar—were arrested, with three cases registered under relevant provisions including misbranding and non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The accused disclosed to police that they acquired these adulteration techniques from Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Key Highlights
- Seized products total over 25,300 kg of adulterated spices, including 7,920 kg of carom seeds (ajwain), 6,700 kg of cumin (jeera), 4,960 kg of mustard, 2,350 kg of jeera dust, 2,280 kg of caraway (shajeera), 550 kg of cloves, and 540 kg of fennel seeds (saunf).
- An additional 89,150 kg of raw material used specifically for processing and adulterating spices was confiscated.
- Adulteration techniques involved mixing fabric dyes, industrial dyes, oil, and talcum powder to enhance appearance, brightness, gloss, and overall weight.
- Three cases were registered, resulting in the arrests of Rahul Bhati, Vishal Panwar, and Dulichand Kachhawar.
- Task Force and H-FAST DCP Vaibhav Gaikwad demonstrated dye-adulterated mustard seeds that retained synthetic colouring even after water immersion.
Why This Matters
The enforcement action addresses violations directly impacting human health and food safety standards across the region. Spices processed with non-edible substances, industrial dyes, and talcum powder were intended for distribution across both Telugu states, violating the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
What to Watch Next
The seized spice samples and chemical additives have been sent for laboratory analysis to determine their precise composition. Citizens seeking to report suspected food adulteration can contact H-FAST via their toll-free number at 8712661212 or reach out through their official X handle, @HFastHCP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What quantity of adulterated spices was seized during the operations?
Authorities seized over 25,300 kilograms of processed spices alongside 89,150 kilograms of raw materials used for adulteration.
What substances were used to adulterate the spices?
Inspectors found that fabric dyes, permanent industrial dyes, talcum powder, oil, and synthetic colouring agents were used to enhance spice weight, volume, and visual gloss.
Who was arrested in connection with the raids?
Police arrested three individuals: Rahul Bhati from Katedan, as well as Vishal Panwar and Dulichand Kachhawar from Begum Bazar.
Source: Based on official statements from Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar and details reported by The Hindu.