Adulterated Ginger & Garlic Paste Sparks Safety Concerns in Hyderabad
In Hyderabad, over 3,800 kilograms of adulterated ginger and garlic paste were seized in a joint operation by the food safety wing of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and the police. This discovery has caused widespread alarm among citizens, who are now deeply concerned about the safety of food items sold in local stores. The incident has raised pressing questions about the quality of products supplied by manufacturers in the market.
Food adulteration poses a serious threat to public health. In recent times, there has been a growing number of reports about contaminated food items, particularly ginger and garlic paste, in Hyderabad. During the recent operation, authorities arrested nine individuals and filed cases against them for their involvement in producing and distributing the tainted paste.
Consumers are worried about the scale of this issue. The large quantity of paste seized highlights the severity of the problem and the potential health risks it poses. Ginger and garlic paste is a key ingredient in many dishes, making this issue particularly concerning for households and businesses alike.
Food safety officials revealed that the seized paste contained harmful substances that could lead to foodborne illnesses and other health problems. Substances like citric acid, synthetic food color (Tatrazine), Titanium Dioxide, and Xanthan Gum were found to have been used in the adulteration process. These additives are not only unsafe but also highly toxic when consumed.
Local residents have expressed their concerns. L. Venkatesh from Lal Darwaza said, “When thousands of kilograms of this paste have already been seized, it is clear that a significant amount has already reached the market and is being sold in local stores.”
Mohammed Ahmed, a social activist, stressed the importance of stricter monitoring. “Food safety officials must conduct thorough inspections in markets, local stores, restaurants, and hotels to prevent the sale of contaminated ginger and garlic paste. It is crucial to take immediate action to protect consumers,” he said.
The GHMC food safety wing conducted raids across various locations. They seized 400 kilograms of contaminated paste from Umani Foods International in Katedan, 1,000 kilograms from SKR Food Products in Katedan, and collected samples from Jhansi Industries in Tarnaka. In a separate operation last week, the Task Force Police seized 835 kilograms of paste from Heena Ginger Garlic Paste and 1,500 kilograms from Sony Gold Ginger Garlic Paste. A total of nine individuals were apprehended during these raids.
According to officials, one of the key adulteration methods involved mixing low-quality ginger and garlic with citric acid to enhance aroma and using Tatrazine for synthetic coloring. In some cases, Titanium Dioxide, commonly used in products like paints, adhesives, and plastics, was added to make the paste appear brighter. Additionally, Xanthan Gum, used to increase the paste’s thickness, was found in the samples. Both substances are harmful to human health.
Authorities are urging consumers to be cautious and check the quality of food products before purchasing. The ongoing investigations aim to identify other sources of adulterated ginger and garlic paste, ensuring that these harmful practices are curbed and public health is not compromised.
