Hyderabad, August 4, 2026: The Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team, known as H-FAST, has seized more than 25,300 kilograms of spices that were allegedly mixed with harmful substances such as fabric dyes, synthetic colours, industrial dyes and talcum powder.
The operation was carried out jointly by H-FAST and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s Food Safety Team. Officials inspected 13 shops, warehouses and spice-processing units in Hyderabad.
According to the police, the adulterated spices were meant to be sold in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The seized products included 7,920 kg of ajwain, 6,700 kg of jeera, 4,960 kg of mustard seeds, 2,350 kg of jeera dust, 2,280 kg of shajeera, 550 kg of cloves and 540 kg of fennel seeds.
Officials also seized around 89,150 kg of raw material believed to have been used in the adulteration process.
Harmful Substances Mixed with Spices
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said that low-quality and rejected spices were made to look fresh and attractive by mixing them with harmful chemicals.
At one manufacturing unit, mustard seeds were allegedly mixed with fabric dye, talcum powder and oil. This was done to improve their shine, increase their weight and make them appear to be of better quality.
Cloves, ajwain, fennel seeds and shajeera were also reportedly coated with synthetic and industrial colours.
During a press conference, the Police Commissioner demonstrated the difference between pure and adulterated spices. He placed cloves and fennel seeds in separate glasses of water. The water containing adulterated spices quickly changed colour, while the water containing pure spices remained clear.
Officials said that some of the chemicals used were clearly marked as poisonous and unsuitable for human consumption.
Three People Arrested
Police registered three cases and arrested three people in connection with the illegal activity. They were identified as Rahul Bhati, Vishal Panwar and Dulichand Kachhawar.
The seized spices and chemical substances have been sent to a laboratory for further testing.
Police said the businesses may have also violated food safety laws through misbranding and failure to follow the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The authorities advised people to remain careful while buying spices. Consumers should avoid products with unusually bright colours, strong artificial smells or suspiciously low prices.
