10.89 tonnes of spices worth ₹25 lakh seized in Medipally raid
Hyderabad authorities have busted a spice processing unit in Medipally for allegedly preparing and packaging adulterated spices under unhygienic conditions.
The raid was conducted on Thursday by the Special Operations Team (SOT) Malkajgiri along with Food Adulteration Surveillance teams at Sai Tirumala Enterprises in Srinivas Nagar Colony, within the Medipally police station limits.
Chilli powder allegedly contained 30% cow dung dust
- According to police, the most serious finding was in the chilli powder, which allegedly contained around 30% cow dung dust.
- Officials said the unit was also producing turmeric powder, coriander powder and garam masala without following prescribed food safety and hygiene standards.
- The alleged adulteration was reportedly being carried out while the products were being prepared and packaged for sale in the market.
More than 10 tonnes of spices seized
Authorities seized a total of 10.89 tonnes of spices, estimated to be worth around ₹25 lakh.
The seized material included:
- 2,300 kg Turmeric powder
- 3,350 kg Chilli powder
- 5,140 kg Coriander powder
- 100 kg Garam masala
Officials also examined raw materials, processed powders, packaging material and machinery at the premises.
Counterfeit packaging allegedly used
- Police also alleged that the unit was using counterfeit packaging and labels designed to resemble genuine brands.
- Authorities said the products were being prepared in poor sanitary conditions and then sent to the market using attractive packaging, potentially making it difficult for consumers to identify the adulterated products.
Two people taken into custody
- Two individuals identified as Sathyanarayana and Rudrashekar were taken into custody following the raid.
- The seized products were handed over to Medipally Police Station, while further action is expected based on the investigation and food safety procedures.
Police warn consumers
Malkajgiri Police Commissioner B. Sumati said authorities were taking the issue of food adulteration seriously and warned against bringing adulterated food products into the market by exploiting consumer trust.
Police have advised consumers to check food packages carefully before purchasing them, including:
- Brand name
- Manufacturing date
- Expiry or best before date
- Batch number
- FSSAI details
Consumers have also been urged to report suspicious food-adulteration activities to authorities.
Hyderabad intensifies food adulteration crackdown
- The raid comes amid a broader crackdown on food adulteration in Hyderabad.
- Authorities have recently conducted multiple operations against adulterated spices, ghee and other food products. Hyderabad’s H-FAST and food safety teams have been targeting manufacturing and trading units following complaints and intelligence inputs.
What happens next?
- The investigation will determine the source and distribution network of the seized products and whether adulterated material had already reached retail markets.
- Authorities are also expected to examine the seized materials and take further legal action under applicable food safety and other laws.
Bottom line
A spice processing unit in Medipally, Hyderabad, has been raided after authorities allegedly found cow dung dust mixed into chilli powder. Police seized 10.89 tonnes of spices worth about ₹25 lakh, while two people were taken into custody.
The case highlights continuing concerns over food adulteration and the need for consumers to carefully check packaged food products before buying them.
