Peels, acetic acid, xanthan gum: How Hyderabad manufacturer made adulterated ginger-garlic paste

Hyderabad: A Task Force report on a ginger-garlic paste sold in the market has sent shivers across Hyderabad.

The report revealed that ginger-garlic paste sold across parts of the city was prepared using a mix of inferior ingredients, including garlic peels, acetic acid, xanthan gum, and excess salt.

Task Force prepared the report after it raided a manufacturing unit in Kattedan.

Adulteration over authenticity

According to officials, the manufacturer allegedly replaced quality raw material with low-grade ginger and garlic, and even mixed garlic husk (peels) into the paste to increase volume.

Chemical additives like acetic acid and xanthan gum powder were used to enhance shelf life and texture, compromising the product’s purity.

Unhygienic manufacturing conditions

The inspection exposed alarming conditions at the unit:

Paste stored in open plastic tubs, exposed to dust and flies

Grinding carried out using improper tools, including wooden sticks

Lack of basic hygiene and safety standards

No valid food-grade certification or compliant packaging

Officials said the unit operated with little regard for food safety norms.

Supplied widely across the city

The adulterated paste was not confined to a single outlet. Authorities said it was being distributed in bulk to kirana stores, restaurants, and catering services, raising concerns that the product may have reached a large number of consumers.

Seizure reveals scale

During the raid, teams seized:

4,032 kg of packaged ginger-garlic paste (in multiple sizes)

6,210 kg of loose ginger and garlic

Additives, including acetic acid, xanthan gum, and salt

Machinery used in processing

The total value of seized material is estimated at ₹22 lakh, indicating a large-scale operation.

Accused held, probe continues

The unit owner, Hasan Ali Rupani (55), has been apprehended and handed over to Mailardevpally police station along with the seized material for further investigation.

Officials said the accused had been supplying adulterated food products for unlawful gains, and further inquiries are underway to trace the distribution network.

Public health concerns rise

Experts warn that such adulteration poses serious risks:

Chemical additives in unsafe quantities may affect health

Contaminated storage can lead to bacterial growth

Use of waste material like husk reduces food quality

Authorities have urged consumers and businesses to be cautious while sourcing food products, as routine ingredients like ginger-garlic paste may be vulnerable to adulteration.