Hyderabad, Telangana: In a major crackdown on food adulteration, the Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force (Khairtabad Zone Team) conducted a surprise raid and busted an adulterated ginger-garlic paste manufacturing unit in Mallepally.
During the operation at Shehzada Food Master, located under the limits of Habeeb Nagar Police Station, police arrested the unit owner Mohammed Farooq (50) for allegedly producing and distributing adulterated food products in unhygienic conditions.
Investigations revealed that the ginger-garlic paste was prepared by mixing harmful substances such as acetic acid, synthetic food colours, gum powder and salt. The paste was reportedly stored in open plastic containers exposed to dust and flies, making it unsafe for consumption. Officials also found that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence displayed at the unit had expired in 2018.
The accused allegedly supplied the adulterated paste to wholesale kirana stores, restaurants and catering services across Hyderabad to earn illegal profits.
During the raid, authorities seized around 1,090 kg of adulterated ginger-garlic paste, 875 kg of raw ginger and garlic, chemicals used for adulteration, grinding machines and a mobile phone. The total value of the seized materials is estimated at ₹2.2 lakh.
The accused and seized items were handed over to Habeeb Nagar Police Station for further investigation under Crime No. 53/2026 registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The swift action of the task force has been widely appreciated for protecting public health and preventing the sale of unsafe food products.
Our Citizen Reporter – Telangana
Mr. Bharath Reddy
