The Hyderabad City Police have seized a massive quantity of 1,090 kilograms of adulterated and unhygienic ginger garlic paste from a manufacturing unit in Habeeb Nagar. The operation was conducted by the Commissioner’s Task Force, Khairtabad Zone Team, which arrested one person for manufacturing and distributing the hazardous food product to restaurants and shops across the city.
Acting on credible information, police conducted a surprise inspection at Shehzada Food Master, located at 11-1-1162, Near Gatala Masjid, Afzalsagar, Habeeb Nagar, Mallepally. The raid uncovered a large-scale operation producing ginger garlic paste under extremely unhygienic conditions using harmful chemicals and adulterants.
The accused, identified as Mohammed Farooq (50), owner of Shehzada Food Master and a resident of Nampally, was arrested during the operation. Police discovered that Farooq was manufacturing the paste by mixing chemicals including Ascitic Acid, synthetic food colors, gum powder, and salt in plastic containers. The prepared paste was stored in open plastic tubs, exposed to dust, flies, and other contaminants, making it completely unfit for human consumption.
Investigations revealed that the adulterated ginger garlic paste was being supplied to various wholesale kirana stores, food catering services, restaurants, and retail shops across Hyderabad. The accused was earning substantial illegal profits through this operation. Police also found that an FSSAI License No. 13617011001223 was displayed at the premises, but it had expired on 07-09-2018.
The seized products included ginger garlic paste in various packaging sizes ranging from 200 grams to 5 kilograms, along with loose paste stored in drums. The breakdown included 240 kg of 1 kg bottles, 175 kg of 500-gram bottles, 50 kg of 200-gram bottles, 240 kg of 5 kg packages, and 385 kg of loose paste stored in drums and tubs. Additionally, police seized 875 kg of unhygienic loose ginger and garlic, including 750 kg of garlic and 125 kg of ginger.
Apart from the finished products, authorities also confiscated raw materials and equipment used in the manufacturing process. This included 200 kg of salt, 500 grams each of starch powder and gum powder, 500 grams of synthetic food color, and 1 liter of Ascitic Acid. Two grinding machines, one small and one large, along with the accused’s mobile phone were also seized. The total value of the seized goods is estimated at approximately Rs. 2,20,000.
Health experts have warned that consumption of such adulterated ginger garlic paste poses serious health risks. The chemicals used in manufacturing, particularly when combined with unhygienic storage conditions, can be hazardous to human life and may cause various health complications among consumers who unknowingly purchase these products from local shops and restaurants.
The case is being handled by Andhe Srinivas Rao, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Commissioner’s Task Force, Hyderabad City. This raid is part of an ongoing crackdown by Hyderabad City Police against adulterated and unhygienic food items being manufactured and sold in the city. The accused has been taken into custody and further investigations are underway to identify the supply chain and other potential accomplices involved in the illegal operation.
