Hyderabad residents have been put on high alert after the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) uncovered a massive racket involving chemically-treated and adulterated spices. VC Sajjanar, the Hyderabad Police Commissioner, personally demonstrated how citizens can identify fake spices at home using simple water tests. The busted operation revealed that commonly used kitchen ingredients including cloves, shahjeera, fennel seeds (saunf), and mustard seeds were being systematically adulterated with harmful industrial chemicals.
During a public demonstration, Commissioner Sajjanar showed how adulterated spices can be easily identified. He placed both pure and adulterated samples of cloves, shahjeera, and fennel seeds into separate transparent glasses filled with water. The water containing the adulterated, chemically-coated spices changed color immediately, while the pure spices did not alter the water’s appearance. The Commissioner also pointed out that genuine cloves and seeds feel rough and natural to touch, whereas chemical-coated adulterated products feel unnaturally smooth.
DCP Vaibhav Gaikwad of the Task Force and H-FAST revealed shocking details about the adulteration methods employed by the accused. He demonstrated that certain adulterated mustard seeds do not lose color even after being mixed in water. At one manufacturing facility, investigators discovered that low-quality and rejected mustard stocks were being mixed with fabric dye, talcum powder, and oil to enhance the spice’s gloss, weight, and overall volume. These substances are not meant for human consumption and pose serious health risks.
The investigation uncovered multiple adulteration techniques across different units. In several facilities, spices such as cloves and shahjeera were found coated with synthetic colours to give them a bright and premium appearance. Permanent industrial dyes were being used to adulterate cloves, shahjeera, saunf, and several other essential spices that are daily staples in Indian kitchens. The use of these non-food grade chemicals raises serious concerns about public health and safety.
Commissioner Sajjanar revealed that the accused individuals learned these dangerous adulteration methods from Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The techniques were then replicated in Hyderabad to maximize profits by increasing the weight and visual appeal of inferior quality spices. The racket appears to be part of a larger inter-state network that has been operating for a considerable period, affecting countless consumers across the region.
Holding up a sachet that was used for adulterating mustard seeds during the demonstration, Mr. Sajjanar pointed out that the words ‘poisonous and non-edible’ were clearly written on the packaging. This stark warning on the adulterant itself underscores the criminal negligence of those involved in mixing such hazardous substances into food products meant for daily consumption by unsuspecting families across the city.
