Hyderabad: Food Safety Officers, in collaboration with the Special Operations Team (SOT) of Hyderabad City Police, seized 60,050 kg of adulterated coconut powder worth ₹92.47 lakh during a surprise inspection in Begum Bazar on December 6, 2024. The raid targeted Akash Trading Co., where Food Business Operators (FBOs) were reportedly repackaging adulterated coconut powder under multiple brand names.
Authorities discovered that imported desiccated coconut powder was being mixed with loose, un-desiccated coconut powder, a clear violation of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. Legal action against the offenders will be pursued under the provisions of the act.
This seizure follows another crackdown earlier on December 3, when a state-level task force in Telangana confiscated namkeen and snacks worth ₹2.13 lakh at M/s Sunny Foods in Kallakal village, Medak district. The establishment was found operating without a valid FSSAI license and violating labeling norms by using misleading visuals and tampered product names. Officials uncovered expired food additives, such as tomato masala and Maggi masala, used in snacks like chips, namkeen, and colored saunf.
All seized products were destroyed, and further action has been initiated under food safety regulations to ensure public health and safety.