Raids Expose Use of Titanium Oxide, Acetic Acid in Ginger-garlic Paste: Sajjanar
The paste was being prepared using unpeeled and rotten ginger and garlic across 32 centers, leading to raids where over 27 tonnes weighing 27,024 kg of adulterated paste was seized: Police
Hyderabad: A series of inspections carried out by Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) of Hyderabad police revealed alarming practices, including the addition of 'Titanium Oxide', a chemical used in paints, and dangerous 'Acetic Acid' to ginger-garlic paste to make it appear white and thick.
This was stated by Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar at a press conference here on Tuesday. The paste was being prepared using unpeeled and rotten ginger and garlic across 32 centers, leading to raids where over 27 tonnes weighing 27,024 kg of adulterated paste was seized. Furthermore, officials confiscated over 12 tonnes of rotten chicken and mutton, along with a staggering 60 tonnes of foul-smelling chicken waste stored in unhygienic conditions intended for hotel supply.
The overall hygienic conditions were equally shocking, with food being prepared in unsanitary environments right next to dirty toilets amidst flies and cockroaches. In addition, raids on 16 centers artificially ripening fruits with hazardous chemicals led to the seizure of 25.8 tonnes of fruits, 9.2 tonnes of adulterated pickles, and 3.8 tonnes of adulterated tea powder.
The team also uncovered synthetic paneer made without a single drop of milk—using urea, detergents, palm oil, and harmful chemicals—seizing 1.5 tonnes of synthetic paneer, 2.5 tonnes of adulterated curd, and 3.2 tonnes of cream, ghee, and oil.
Action was also taken against substandard RO water plants involving 23.7 tonnes, as well as manufacturing units producing ice creams, samosas, and biscuits.
After the raids, the H-FAST' team in coordination with officials from GHMC’s food safety wing has been conducting extensive field inspections across the city. Within just 140 days of its establishment, the department conducted 659 raids, registered 202 FIRs, and seized nearly 246 tonnes of adulterated food.
Additionally, 232 cases were handed over to GHMC food safety officials for further action, while inspections were carried out at 46 paneer and 83 ghee outlets, alongside the prompt resolution of various complaints received from the public.
In a public advisory, the police said public participation is crucial in the fight against food adulteration, and urged citizens to remain vigilant to safeguard public health. Citizens are advised to purchase spices and food products only from reputed and licensed vendors, while consistently checking for proper packaging, labeling, and valid FSSAI license details.
It is essential to avoid unusually bright-colored spices, which often indicate chemical adulteration, and to refrain from buying loose spices or unbranded food items from unknown roadside vendors offering unusually low prices.
Furthermore, citizens are advised to stay away from outside food that lacks basic quality standards and to minimize consuming outside food as much as possible. If anyone observes adulterated food being manufactured or food being prepared in unhygienic conditions anywhere in their locality, they are strongly urged to report it immediately without any hesitation.
Information can be shared via call or WhatsApp through Emergency 'Dial 100' or the dedicated H-FAST helpline number at 8712661212, and the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
Strict action will continuously be taken against those involved in food adulteration to protect public health, and all citizens are called upon to actively partner with authorities in building a safe and healthy Hyderabad.