he Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) has uncovered one of the biggest food adulteration rackets in the city, seizing more than 25,300 kilograms of adulterated spices during coordinated raids across 13 spice trading and processing units. The operation exposed the illegal use of synthetic colours, cloth dyes, and even talcum powder to make low-quality spices appear fresh and attractive before selling them to consumers.
What Was Seized?
During the raids, H-FAST officials confiscated large quantities of adulterated food products, including:
Cloves
Fennel seeds (saunf)
Coriander seeds
Cumin seeds
Black pepper
Other commonly used whole spices
The total quantity of seized material exceeded 25.3 tonnes, making it one of the largest spice-related food safety operations carried out in Hyderabad.
How Were the Spices Adulterated?
Investigators found that several traders were using harmful substances to improve the appearance and market value of spices. These included:
Synthetic food colours to make spices look brighter.
Industrial cloth dyes, which are not meant for food consumption.
Talcum powder to increase weight and create a polished appearance.
Other chemical additives used to enhance colour and texture.
Authorities said these practices were aimed at increasing profits while deceiving customers about the quality of the products.
Health Risks
Health experts warn that consuming spices contaminated with industrial chemicals can lead to serious medical problems, including:
Stomach irritation and digestive disorders
Allergic reactions
Liver and kidney damage
Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals
Increased risk of chronic diseases, including certain cancers
Officials advised consumers to buy spices only from trusted brands and licensed sellers.
How the Operation Was Conducted
The raids were carried out after H-FAST received credible public information about large-scale adulteration. Teams inspected spice processing and trading establishments across Hyderabad, collected samples, and seized stocks that appeared to be chemically treated.
The investigation is continuing to identify suppliers, distributors, and others involved in the adulteration network. Legal action is being initiated against those responsible under applicable food safety laws.
About H-FAST
The Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) was established by Hyderabad Police in 2026 to combat food adulteration through intelligence-based inspections and surprise raids. Since its launch, the team has taken action against the adulteration of tea powder, dairy products, ginger-garlic paste, spices, cooking oil, and several other food items supplied across the city.
