Hyderabad police crack down on food adulteration racket
HYDERABAD: Large scale adulteration of food items is continuing in the city, with criminals mixing chemicals and cheap substitutes in everyday groceries. City police have begun a crackdown and are planning to set up a special anti-food adulteration team.
In the past week, the Task Force conducted several raids and registered five cases against people manufacturing adulterated tea powder, ginger-garlic paste and other food items. Police said the racket poses a serious threat to public health.
Chemicals and papaya seeds used to imitate spices
Investigators found that traders were using papaya seeds to produce fake black pepper. About 2 kg synthetic gum, 10 kg maida, and small quantities of artificial red oxide were mixed in 15 litres of water. The mixture was added to papaya seeds to make them resemble pepper.
The same chemical solution was also used to improve the appearance of low-grade pepper and sell it as premium quality.
In another method, glucose and 2 kg liquid jaggery were mixed with 10 litres of water to prepare a solution. This was added to nearly 60 kg Bombay rava to manufacture about 115 kg fake poppy seeds.
To improve colour and texture, traders used sodium hydrosulphate and paint stainers. Small pieces collected from waste food products were mixed with chemicals to produce adulterated cumin.
Fake dry ginger and recycled ingredients
Police also found units manufacturing fake dry ginger powder. Workers collected low-quality ginger, ground it and mixed it in machines along with lime, adhesive compounds such as Fevicol and blue colouring agents. The mixture was dried and sold as dry ginger.
Investigators also identified units extracting oil from animal waste and bones. The materials were heated in large containers to produce low-grade oil, which was later sold in the market.
Ginger-garlic paste made with minimal ingredients
During the raids, officials found that several units prepared ginger-garlic paste using very small quantities of actual ginger and garlic. Other fillers were mixed to increase volume while artificial flavour was added to create smell.
The raw materials required for adulteration were procured from cities such as Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai and Delhi. They were transported without bills through transport companies after paying additional charges per kilogram.
‘More dangerous than terrorism’
Police said the adulteration racket affects almost every household in the city.
Officials described the crime as “more dangerous than terrorism” because of its impact on public health.
Earlier, such offences were booked mainly under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Recently, police have also begun invoking cheating provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 27 and 319.
However, since the punishment under these sections is less than seven years, police said arresting the accused immediately is often difficult. This has allowed many offenders to continue the illegal trade even after being caught once.
Chemical milk racket
Police also uncovered a chemical milk racket operating in areas such as Bowenpally and Begum Bazaar.
Traders allegedly prepared 10 litres of milk by mixing 1 kg milk powder, 9 litres of water and about 1 litre real milk. Around 15 ml hydrogen peroxide was added to thicken the liquid.
Investigators said the chemical helps milk appear thicker and fresh, enabling traders to sell the product as genuine milk.
