‘Food adulteration is attempt to murder’: Hyderabad CP Sajjanar warns of PD Act, permanent license ban

Hyderabad: Issuing a stern warning to food adulterators, Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar on Wednesday said that any attempt to play with public health would invite stringent action, including action under the Preventive Detention (PD) Act.

Not a minor violation

He asserted that food adulteration would be treated as a serious offence, akin to an attempt on human life, and not as a minor violation.

The Commissioner announced that special joint teams comprising police and food safety officials would be deployed across the city to eradicate food adulteration at its roots.

‘Adulteration is an attempt on life’

A preparatory meeting was held at the TGICC building in Banjara Hills under the chairmanship of the City Police Commissioner, with senior officials from the Food Safety Department in attendance.

The discussions focused on enforcement strategies, ground-level challenges and coordinated action to curb food adulteration in Hyderabad.

Addressing the meeting, the Commissioner made it clear that the police would not limit action to roadside vendors alone but would also crack down on manufacturing units and supply chains that form the source of adulterated food.

“Food adulteration directly endangers lives. We will view such acts as an attempt to murder,” he said.

Strict enforcement will leave no stone unturned

To ensure seamless action, the Commissioner said a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) would be formulated and strictly implemented.

The SOP will cover inspections, sample collection, seizure of adulterated products, arrests and prosecution, ensuring there are no legal loopholes during enforcement.

Repeat offenders may be permanently blacklisted

The Commissioner warned that traders and food business operators must strictly adhere to quality and safety standards. Those found repeatedly violating norms will face permanent cancellation of their business licences.

He also stated that the police would not hesitate to invoke the PD Act against habitual offenders involved in food adulteration.

Toll-free helpline soon to complaint against food adulteration

To strengthen public participation, the Commissioner announced that a dedicated WhatsApp number or toll-free helpline would soon be launched for citizens to report suspected food adulteration. He assured that the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.

The Commissioner concluded by reiterating that safeguarding public health is a top priority and that the city police, in coordination with food safety authorities, will adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards food adulteration.