Hyderabad, 20 August
Adulterated Spices Worth Rs 25 Lakh Seized in Medipally; Sawdust Allegedly Found in Chilli Powder
Malkajgiri police have seized 10.89 tonnes of alleged adulterated spice powders worth around Rs 25 lakh during a raid on a manufacturing and packing unit in Medipally, Hyderabad. Officials allegedly found sawdust mixed with chilli powder at the premises. Adulterated Spices Worth Rs 25 Lakh Seized in Medipally; Sawdust Allegedly Found in Chilli Powder.
The raid was conducted at Sai Tirumala Enterprises in Srinivas Nagar Colony by the Special Operations Team (SOT), Malkajgiri, along with Food Adulteration Surveillance teams.
According to police, the unit was allegedly manufacturing and packing turmeric, chilli, coriander and garam masala powders without following prescribed food safety and hygiene standards.
Sawdust Allegedly Found in Chilli Powder
During the inspection, authorities allegedly found that around 30 per cent sawdust was mixed with chilli powder, raising concerns over the quality and safety of the product.
Officials also allegedly found fake packaging and labels resembling established brands at the unit. Police said inferior-quality food products were being repackaged in attractive packaging and allegedly supplied to the market using the names of established brands. Adulterated Spices Worth Rs 25 Lakh Seized in Medipally; Sawdust Allegedly Found in Chilli Powder.
The findings have raised concerns over food adulteration in Hyderabad and the potential risks to consumers who may unknowingly purchase such products.
10.89 Tonnes of Spice Powders Seized
Malkajgiri police said the raid resulted in the seizure of 10,890 kg (10.89 tonnes) of spice powders with an estimated value of Rs 25 lakh.
The seized material included:
- 2,300 kg of turmeric powder
- 3,350 kg of chilli powder
- 5,140 kg of coriander powder
- 100 kg of garam masala
The seizure included large quantities of chilli and coriander powder, along with turmeric and garam masala.
Fake Labels Allegedly Used on Spice Products
Authorities also alleged that the unit was using packaging and labels resembling established brands to make the products appear genuine.
According to police, the alleged practice involved repackaging inferior-quality food products in attractive packaging before supplying them to the market. Adulterated Spices Worth Rs 25 Lakh Seized in Medipally; Sawdust Allegedly Found in Chilli Powder.
The allegations are part of the ongoing investigation, and further action is expected based on the findings of the food safety authorities.
Malkajgiri Police Warn Against Food Adulteration
Malkajgiri Police Commissioner B. Sumathi said strict action would be taken against those who compromise public health for illegal profits.
“Food is essential for human life and adulterating it and putting public health at risk will not be tolerated,” she said.
The commissioner added that authorities would continue monitoring the manufacture, storage and supply of adulterated food products to prevent unsafe food items from reaching consumers.
The Medipally spice seizure highlights continuing concerns over food adulteration and misleading packaging in the Hyderabad region. Authorities are expected to take further action following the investigation and food safety assessment.