Food adulteration: Hyderabad police launch H-FAST, issue toll-free number `8712661212’

Hyderabad: Police have launched a specialized enforcement unit to curb food adulteration and protect public health.

`Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team’ (H-FAST) will work in close coordination with Food Safety Officers to detect, prevent, and prosecute offences related to unsafe and adulterated food.

Dedicated unit for food safety enforcement

H-FAST has been established under the leadership of Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar to strengthen surveillance and regulatory action. The unit was inaugurated by IPS officer Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath, marking the launch of an intelligence-driven mechanism to tackle food adulteration.

28-member team to lead operations

The unit comprises 28 personnel, including Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, and supporting staff. It will conduct raids and enforcement drives in coordination with Food Safety Officers to ensure strict compliance with food safety regulations.

Inspectors N. Ranjith Kumar Goud and Anjaiah, along with Sub-Inspectors Ramya, Abhilash, Akhil, and Krishna, attended the launch along with other team members.

Recent raids expose adulteration network

The formation of H-FAST comes amid a series of major raids by Hyderabad Police Task Force teams that exposed widespread food adulteration across the city.

In one of the biggest crackdowns, Task Force officials, along with GHMC food safety teams, raided six dairy outlets in Secunderabad and seized nearly 3,800–3,900 kg of adulterated paneer, khoa, cream, and other dairy products, while arresting six persons.

The products were sourced from unknown suppliers, stored in unhygienic conditions without labels, and sold to hotels and consumers.

Task Force teams also busted an illegal pickle manufacturing unit in Jiyaguda, where spoiled vegetables and unhygienic methods were used. Large quantities of pickles and raw materials were seized, and two persons were arrested.

In separate raids, officials seized over 1,100 kg of chemically adulterated ginger-garlic paste, along with machinery and raw materials. Investigations revealed the use of harmful chemicals and bulk supplies in eateries.

Additionally, authorities confiscated 300 kg of rotten meat and over 1,000 kg of adulterated paste in another case, highlighting serious health risks posed by such practices.

These back-to-back operations exposed organised networks supplying unsafe food to hotels, caterers, and the general public, prompting the need for a dedicated enforcement unit like H-FAST.

Toll-free number for public complaints

To encourage public participation, a toll-free number — 8712661212 — has been set up for reporting food adulteration and unsafe practices. Citizens can also share complaints through H-FAST’s official social media platforms for quicker response.

Zero tolerance against offenders

Officials emphasised that food adulteration is a serious offence posing a significant threat to public health. A zero-tolerance policy will be followed, and stringent legal action will be taken against offenders.

Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious food-related activities to assist enforcement agencies.