Spices coated in cloth dye, talcum powder? Hyderabad raids expose food adulteration
Hyderabad authorities seized 25 tonnes of adulterated spices containing hazardous substances like cloth dyes, talcum powder, and industrial chemicals. Three individuals were arrested following raids on 13 establishments found to be using these materials to artificially enhance product appearance.
Why it matters
Food safety scandals involving staple ingredients pose significant public health risks and highlight the need for stricter regulatory enforcement in food supply chains.
HYDERABAD: Over 25,000 kg of hazardous, chemical-laced spices were seized by the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team during raids on spice trading and processing establishments.The action led to the arrest of three people, police said on Tuesday.Acting on credible information from the public, enforcement teams inspected 13 business establishments and independent business locations involved in the procurement, processing, and wholesale or retail trading of spices and also "indulging" in certain offences affecting human health, Hyderabad police commissioner VC Sajjanar said.The comprehensive inspections uncovered alarming non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with improper labelling practices and deceptive processing techniques.Officials also found dangerous practices involving the use of highly hazardous and poisonous substances in spices, news agency PTI reported.The commissioner informed, "A total of 25 tonnes of various spices found containing certain dangerous chemicals and hazardous substances were seized during the raids.”Consequently, three criminal cases were registered and…
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