1,400 kg of Ginger-Garlic Paste Seized in Telangana; Licenses Suspended for Adulteration Concerns

Hyderabad: In a crackdown on food safety violations, Telangana’s Commissioner of Food Safety seized 1,400 kilograms of ginger-garlic paste in separate inspections conducted in the Katedan area of Hyderabad. The paste was suspected to be adulterated and of poor quality. As a result, the department has suspended the licenses of two establishments involved in the production and distribution of the paste.

The task force first inspected SKR Food Products, where they confiscated 1,000 kilograms of ginger-garlic paste. The premises were found to be unhygienic, with water stagnation and loose plaster flakes found above the grinding and packing areas. The facility lacked insect-proof screens, raising concerns over contamination. Samples of the seized paste were sent for laboratory testing.

In another inspection at Umani Foods International, officials faced initial resistance from the operator, who attempted to block their entry. Upon gaining access, the team discovered 50 kilograms of synthetic food coloring, believed to have been used in the adulteration process, and 400 kilograms of packed ginger-garlic paste, which was also confiscated for testing. The premises showed poor hygiene, including water stagnation, cobwebs, and areas exposed to external contamination. The facility lacked proper documentation, including pest control records and medical fitness certificates for food handlers.

Following the inspections, the Food Safety department immediately suspended the licenses of both establishments under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The facilities have been ordered to cease operations during the suspension period, and further actions will be determined based on the laboratory analysis results.