Massive Crackdown on Tea Powder Adulteration Racket in Hyderabad

In a significant crackdown, the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) has dismantled a large-scale tea powder adulteration racket, resulting in the arrest of 10 individuals. The operation targeted 15 city locations involved in illicit manufacturing and distribution activities, revealing the use of synthetic food colors and expired tea.

DCP Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath disclosed that the operation seized 3,000 kg of adulterated tea powder, along with significant quantities of artificial colors and jaggery intended for mixing. The accused admitted adding these substances to inferior tea powder sourced from Kolkata, Kerala, and Assam, later repackaging and selling them under various brand names.

The arrests and seizures have spurred immediate legal proceedings under the Food Safety and Standards Act and other relevant laws, aiming to curb such hazardous practices and ensure consumer safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)