Rotten eggs to spurious ginger-garlic paste, illegal food units in Attapur and Katedan raided; 6 held

Hyderabad: In a major crackdown on unsafe food manufacturing, Hyderabad police busted two separate adulterated food units in the Rajendranagar zone. Six persons have been arrested with large quantities of contaminated food products and chemicals worth several lakhs.

The raids, conducted by the Commissioner’s Task Force and local police teams, exposed alarming violations that posed serious health risks to consumers, especially children.

1. Adulterated ginger-garlic paste unit busted in Attapur

Acting on credible information, the Commissioner’s Task Force (Jubilee Hills Zone), along with food safety officials, raided two godowns operating under the name ‘Deccan Traders’ in MM Pahadi, under Attapur police limits.

Three brothers, Sohail Charaniya (38), Raheem Charaniya (36), and Amit Charaniya (35), all residents of Secunderabad, were apprehended for allegedly manufacturing and selling adulterated ginger and garlic paste.

Officials found that the accused were preparing the paste in highly unhygienic conditions by mixing harmful substances such as acetic acid, synthetic food colours and garlic husk.

The paste was stored in open plastic tubs, exposed to dust and flies, making it unsafe for consumption.

The adulterated product was reportedly supplied in bulk to wholesale kirana stores and catering services across Hyderabad to maximise illegal profits.

Seizures include:

- 70 quintals of ginger-garlic paste

- Synthetic food colour packets

- 40 litres of acid stored in tins

- Chemical boxes

Total estimated worth is Rs 3.5 lakh

The accused and seized materials were handed over to the Attapur police for further investigation.

2. Illegal bakery unit using rotten eggs raided in Katedan

In a separate operation on March 24, Mailardevpally police raided an illegal food unit named ‘Madhurai Meenakshi Food Company’ at Katedan.

Three persons, Afridi Ansari (22), Yaseen (32) and Khatreshan, were arrested for manufacturing cakes and donut buns using rotten eggs and hazardous chemicals.

Police revealed that the unit was operating in extremely unhygienic conditions and was using substances such as sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, calcium propionate, potassium sorbate, and PGPR liquid to process spoiled ingredients.

The products were then sold as fresh items, primarily targeting children.

Seized materials include:

- 330 spoiled eggs

- 150 kg of cakes and donut buns

- Large quantities of chemical additives

- Dalda, milk powder, synthetic colours and flavours

- Industrial baking machinery, including ovens and mixers

A case has been registered at Mailardevpally police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Health risk and police action

Officials said both units were operating solely for profit, with complete disregard for public health and food safety norms.

The use of hazardous chemicals and rotten raw materials could have led to serious health complications among consumers.

Senior police officials commended the swift action of the teams involved and reiterated that strict action will be taken against those involved in food adulteration.

Further investigations are underway.