Hyderabad Busts ₹22 Lakh Adulterated Ginger-Garlic Paste Racket, One Arrested

Hyderabad’s growing food safety concerns came into sharp focus after police uncovered a large-scale unit manufacturing adulterated ginger-garlic paste , a staple ingredient used daily in homes and restaurants across the city.

Acting on specific inputs, joint teams of the Commissioner’s Task Force (Khairatabad Zone) and H-FAST units conducted a surprise raid at SKR Food Products in Katedan. The facility, operated by Hasan Ali Rupani (55) from Abids, was found running in highly unhygienic conditions without adhering to basic food safety standards. He was immediately arrested.

During the operation, officials seized 4,032 kilograms of adulterated ginger-garlic paste along with over 6,200 kilograms of substandard raw materials . Investigators also recovered chemicals such as acetic acid and xanthan gum , which were being used to artificially enhance colour, texture, and shelf life . The total value of the seized material is estimated at around ₹22 lakh .

Preliminary investigation revealed that the unit used inferior and possibly decomposed ingredients , processed in unsanitary conditions, exposing the products to contamination from dust, insects, and bacteria . The adulterated paste was then supplied to restaurants, catering units, and retail outlets across Hyderabad, posing a serious risk to public health.

Officials noted that this case reflects a wider pattern of food adulteration emerging in the city, with multiple recent raids uncovering similar illegal units dealing in fake or contaminated food products. The high demand for ready-to-use ingredients and lack of strict monitoring in bulk supply chains have enabled such operations to thrive.

Police have registered a case and shifted the accused along with seized materials to the Mailardevpally police station. Further investigation is underway to identify others involved in the supply network.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious while purchasing packaged food items and to prefer licensed and certified products . Warning of strict action, officials said enforcement drives will continue as per directions of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy , with a focus on curbing food adulteration and protecting public health.