Published Jul 04, 2026 | 5:05 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 04, 2026 | 5:05 PM
H-FAST cracks down on food adulteration. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Hyderabad Commissioner of Police, V.C. Sajjanar urged citizens to actively participate in this movement by reporting any suspected adulteration or unhygienic food preparation practices to Dial 100, or via WhatsApp/call on the H-FAST helpline number 8712661212, assuring that the identity of all informants will be kept strictly confidential in the interest of building a safe and healthy Hyderabad.
In a major crackdown against food adulteration, the newly formed Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) has completed its first 100 days of operations, registering 185 cases and seizing approximately 121.87 tonnes of hazardous, adulterated food materials.
Launched on 19 March 2026, under the Hyderabad City Police, this specialised team, H-FAST, has been working in close coordination with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Food Safety, and Veterinary departments, conducting continuous raids and surprise inspections across the city to dismantle profit-driven adulteration networks that compromise citizens’ safety, and safeguard public health.
Expressing deep concern over the issue, police authorities emphasised that food adulteration is not merely a commercial fraud but a silent and severe onslaught on society.
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In a statement, the Hyderabad City Police noted, “Unlike past generations, who enjoyed long, healthy lives with pure food, modern chemical additives and substandard preservatives are drastically shortening human life expectancy today. The consumption of these toxic agents severely disrupts child development and triggers chronic conditions such as cancer, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease across all age groups.”
“When the youth, who constitute the backbone of the nation, fall prey to such illnesses, human productivity suffers, pushing families into financial distress and setting back national progress. Globally, the economic toll of contaminated food, in terms of treatment costs and lost productivity, is estimated at nearly $310 billion annually — underscoring that access to safe, unadulterated food is a fundamental right that H-FAST is committed to protecting.”
Operating under the leadership of the DCP, Task Force, with a dedicated team of 36 highly trained officers and personnel, H-FAST has systematically mapped and targeted adulteration hubs. Of the 185 cases registered during these 100 days, the highest number was reported in the Rajendranagar Zone (55 cases), followed by Golconda (44), Secunderabad (35), Charminar (21), Shamshabad (13), Jubilee Hills (12), and Khairatabad Zone (5).
The scale of the seizures underscores the gravity of the threat to public health. The team seized:
An additional 34 cases were registered under other categories, including ice creams, biscuits, RO water plants, and junk food.
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Alongside direct police action, H-FAST has transferred 247 cases to the GHMC Food Safety Officers (FSOs) for further regulatory and legal action.
This collaborative effort includes 70 cases against paneer manufacturing outlets, 90 cases initiated based on direct public complaints, 11 cases against samosa-making centres, nine cases against water packaging plants, seven cases involving spices and masalas, six cases each against bakeries and fast-food centres, five cases involving Zepto, four cases each against hostels and meat shops, and three cases each targeting ice manufacturing units and seafood/chicken waste outlets.
This multi-departmental synergy — involving joint operations with GHMC, Food Safety, and Veterinary departments — has been critical in overcoming operational and legal challenges, making the campaign highly effective in disrupting illegal supply chains.
In tandem with enforcement, the Hyderabad City Police has prioritised preventive measures. A special meeting was recently convened with Food Business Operators (FBOs) — including owners of hotels, restaurants, bakeries, and food manufacturing units — where it was firmly communicated that compromising public health for financial gain will not be tolerated.
Strict guidelines have been issued:
Hyderabad Commissioner of Police, V.C. Sajjanar, IPS, appreciated the H-FAST team for achieving significant results in a short span and for establishing a commendable precedent in inter-departmental cooperation. He extended his gratitude to the collaborating departments and the public, noting that the Commissioner’s office now receives an average of 15 public tip-offs daily.
The Commissioner warned that the police department views food adulteration not as a minor regulatory lapse but as a grave offence equivalent to attempted murder, and stated that the police will not hesitate to invoke the Preventive Detention (PD) Act against the food adulteration mafia.
He urged citizens to actively participate in this movement by reporting any suspected adulteration or unhygienic food preparation practices to Dial 100, or via WhatsApp/call on the H-FAST helpline number 8712661212, assuring that the identity of all informants will be kept strictly confidential in the interest of building a safe and healthy Hyderabad.
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