A major food safety crackdown has exposed a large-scale tea powder adulteration racket in Hyderabad, where enforcement teams dismantled illegal manufacturing and supply operations. The action was carried out by the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST), targeting multiple units engaged in producing and distributing fake tea powder.
Massive Raids Across the City
Authorities conducted coordinated raids at 15 locations, uncovering a well-organized network involved in adulteration. Ten individuals were arrested for their roles in sourcing, mixing, repackaging, and distributing the fake tea powder.
The accused have been identified as Paresh Rajan, Sanju alias Pati, Satish, Naveen, Narsimha, Chunnilal Chaudhary, Narsimulu, Rajesh, Ravinder, and Waseem.
How the Adulteration Was Done
Investigations revealed alarming practices aimed at boosting profits. The accused mixed:
- Synthetic food colours
- Jaggery solution
- Used and expired tea powder
Low-grade tea sourced from regions like Kolkata, Kerala, and Assam was altered and sold as premium-quality tea. The product was then repackaged under different brand names and supplied to roadside vendors as well as reputed outlets.
Two harmful artificial colours—Sunset Yellow FCF and Tartrazine—were widely used to enhance appearance and mislead consumers.
Huge Seizure and Health Concerns
Officials seized:
- Around 3,000 kg of adulterated tea powder
- 1,500 kg of expired stock
- Artificial colouring agents
- Nearly 100 kg of jaggery
Health experts warn that consuming such adulterated products can lead to stomach disorders, allergic reactions, and long-term health complications.
Legal Action Initiated
Police have registered cases under the Food Safety and Standards Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have indicated that more arrests could follow.
The operation was supervised by Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath, with Inspectors N. Ranjith Kumar Goud and M. Anjaiah leading the ground teams.
Public Advisory
Officials have urged consumers to:
- Buy tea only from authorized and trusted sellers
- Avoid unusually cheap or unbranded products
- Report suspected adulteration to authorities
Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in food adulteration activities.
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