25 tonnes of adulterated spices seized in Hyderabad; 3 arrested

In a significant crackdown on food adulteration, Hyderabad police have seized 25 tonnes of adulterated spices and arrested three people. The operation, carried out on Tuesday, targeted a storage facility in the city's outskirts, where the spices were reportedly mixed with harmful substances to increase weight and shelf life.

Officials from the police and food safety department jointly conducted the raid following a tip-off. The seized material includes popular spice varieties such as turmeric, chilli powder, and garam masala, which are staples in Indian kitchens. Preliminary tests suggest the presence of non-food-grade colours and other adulterants.

How the operation unfolded

The raid was executed early in the morning, catching the accused off guard. According to a senior police officer, the team acted on intelligence gathered over several weeks. The three arrested individuals are believed to be part of a larger network involved in the supply of spurious spices to local markets and possibly beyond.

"We are investigating the source of the adulterants and the distribution channels," the officer said, requesting anonymity. The accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Indian Penal Code for cheating and endangering public health.

Health risks and consumer impact

Adulterated spices pose serious health risks. Prolonged consumption can lead to liver damage, kidney failure, and even cancer, depending on the contaminants used. Metanil yellow, a common adulterant in turmeric, is a known carcinogen, while sawdust and brick powder are often used to bulk up chilli powder.

Consumers in Hyderabad have expressed shock at the scale of the seizure. "I buy spices from the local market every month. This is alarming," said a resident of the Old City. The food safety department has urged the public to buy spices from certified brands and check for FSSAI labels.

Previous incidents and enforcement

This is not the first such case in Telangana. In the past year, authorities have conducted several raids on godowns and mills, seizing adulterated products and shutting down illegal units. However, the sheer volume of this seizure underscores the persistence of the problem.

Food safety officials say they are stepping up surveillance and random checks. "We are also working with e-commerce platforms to track sellers of loose spices," a department official noted. The accused are currently in police custody and will be produced before a local court.

What to watch

The investigation is likely to unearth more links in the supply chain, with officials hinting at possible arrests of wholesalers and transporters. Meanwhile, the seized spices will be sent for detailed laboratory analysis, the results of which could lead to stricter action. For now, Hyderabad's food safety net appears to be tightening, but consumers are advised to remain vigilant.