What’s inside your ice candy? Police bust Mehdipatnam shop for using chemicals, artificial flavours

Hyderabad: Ice candies and lassi being supplied in parts of Mehdipatnam were found to be made using citric acid, artificial crush flavours, excess sugar and other chemical additives in unhygienic conditions, prompting a police raid that exposed a large-scale illegal manufacturing unit.

Unit busted in Mehdipatnam

The Commissioner’s Task Force (Golconda Zone), along with Mehdipatnam Police, raided a unit operating under the name ‘Aliya Ice Cream Parlour’ at Ahmed Nagar, First Lancer, Bada Bazar.

One person, Syed Musharafuddin (24), was apprehended for allegedly manufacturing and supplying these products across local areas.

Chemical mix behind popular summer treats

Investigators revealed that the ice candies and lassi were being prepared using:

- Citric acid to enhance sourness

- Artificial crush flavours (mango, orange, blueberry) to mimic fruit taste

- Sucrose and large quantities of sugar to intensify sweetness

- Curd in bulk quantities for lassi preparation

Officials suspect these ingredients were used without adherence to food safety norms, raising concerns over their impact on public health.

Unhygienic preparation conditions

The unit was found operating in poor sanitary conditions, with:

- Improper storage of dairy products

- Unclean machinery and workspaces

- Lack of basic hygiene during preparation and packaging

Such conditions increase the risk of contamination and foodborne illnesses, particularly in dairy-based products.

Huge stock and equipment seized

During the raid, police seized:

- 92 packets of ice candies (each containing 180 pieces)

- 20 packets of lassi candies (each containing 210 pieces)

- 300 glasses of prepared lassi

- Machinery, including ice candy and lassi machines, refrigerators and packing units

The total value of seized property is estimated at Rs 5.44 lakh.

Public health concern

A case has been registered under Sections 274, 275, and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Mehdipatnam Police Station. Police said the accused was producing and selling food items in unsafe conditions to make illegal profits.

Officials warned that consumption of such chemically treated and unhygienically prepared products could pose serious health risks, especially to children, who are the primary consumers of ice candies.

Advisory to consumers

Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious while buying summer beverages and frozen treats, and to avoid products from unverified or unhygienic sources.