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Tea Adulteration Operation Busted in Hyderabad
300 kg of Adulterated Tea Powder Seized in Hyderabad
In a joint operation by Telangana’s Commissioner of Food Safety and the Hyderabad City Police’s Central Zone Task Force, 300 kilograms of adulterated tea powder were seized in Fateh Nagar, Hyderabad. This large-scale tea adulteration scheme was uncovered during an inspection following a tip-off. Three individuals, including the owner of the wholesale shop involved, were arrested for their illegal activity.
Low-Quality Tea Powder Mixed with Coconut Shell Powder
The proprietor of the business, identified as Bishoya Jagannath, was operating under the brand name ‘Konark Tea Powder Sales & Suppliers’ in Fateh Nagar. According to police reports, Bishoya purchased low-quality tea powder at prices ranging from ₹80 to ₹100 per kilogram from market suppliers. To increase his profit margins, Bishoya mixed the tea powder with coconut shell powder and toxic chemical essences. These artificial mixtures not only reduced the quality but also posed serious health risks to consumers.
Adulterated Tea Sold at Higher Prices
The adulterated tea powder was sold for ₹200 to ₹250 per kilogram after being mixed with non-food-grade additives. This process allowed Bishoya to make illegal profits by selling substandard and potentially harmful tea. The police further revealed that Bishoya is a repeat offender, having been previously arrested in three other cases of food adulteration.
Seizure of Adulterated Tea and Toxic Chemicals
During the raid, 300 kilograms of loose tea powder, 200 kilograms of coconut shell powder, and five kilograms of non-food-grade red and orange colorants were seized by the officials. Additionally, a variety of artificial flavors, such as chocolate, cardamom, and milk essences, were found at the location. These substances were used to enhance the flavor of the adulterated tea powder, making it appealing for unsuspecting consumers.
An official from the Food Safety Department confirmed that these harmful mixtures were packed and distributed to tea stalls across Hyderabad. The adulterated tea powder has been sent for chemical analysis to determine the full extent of the contamination.
Culprits Involved in the Adulteration Operation
Bishoya Jagannath was not acting alone. He recruited two associates, Pratap Pradan and Sivswain Parida, both from Odisha, to assist him in his illegal activities. Together, the trio manufactured the adulterated tea powder in a warehouse and distributed it across various parts of Hyderabad. The police arrested all three individuals, and they are facing charges under relevant sections of the law related to food safety violations.
Previous Arrests for Food Adulteration
Bishoya is no stranger to the authorities. According to the police, he has been arrested in the past for similar offenses. His involvement in food adulteration cases highlights the ongoing issue of food safety violations in the region. Despite previous arrests, Bishoya continued to engage in illegal activities, endangering public health with his adulterated tea powder.
Public Health Risks of Adulterated Tea
The mixing of toxic chemicals and non-food-grade additives into consumables like tea poses severe health risks. Consumption of adulterated tea powder can lead to health complications ranging from digestive issues to more serious concerns due to the presence of harmful chemicals. The use of coconut shell powder, in particular, may add noxious elements that can be detrimental to consumers’ well-being.
Chemical Analysis and Legal Action
The seized stock, including the adulterated tea powder, non-food-grade colorants, and artificial flavors, has been sent for chemical analysis to determine the exact composition of these dangerous substances. The police have assured that strict legal action will be taken against the culprits to deter future cases of food adulteration.
In light of this incident, the public is urged to be cautious when purchasing loose tea powder and report any suspicious or low-quality products to the authorities. The adulterated tea powder seized in this operation underscores the need for vigilant enforcement of food safety laws to protect public health.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on reports from credible sources. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not condone illegal activities, and readers are urged to report any suspicious or unsafe food practices.
