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Hyderabad Police Launches H-FAST: Special Unit to Combat Food Adulteration

The Hyderabad Police have inaugurated the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) to strengthen enforcement against unsafe food. The 28-person unit will conduct coordinated raids with Food Safety officers and has established a public toll-free number for complaints. This launch follows recent police actions, including busting an adulterated pickle unit and raiding stores selling tainted dairy products. Officials emphasize a zero-tolerance policy, urging public vigilance to report suspicious food activities.

Key Points: Hyderabad Police Forms H-FAST Unit to Fight Food Adulteration

  • 28-member intelligence-driven team formed
  • Dedicated toll-free number for public complaints
  • Focus on raids with Food Safety officers
  • Recent busts of adulterated paneer and pickle units
2 min read

Hyderabad Police set up special unit to check food adulteration

Hyderabad Police launches H-FAST, a 28-member surveillance team, with a toll-free number for public to report unsafe food practices and adulteration.

"A zero-tolerance approach will be followed, and stringent legal action will be taken against offenders. - Police Commissioner's Office"

Hyderabad, March 19

Hyderabad Police have established food adulteration surveillance team to strengthen food safety enforcement and regulatory action.

The Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST) under the leadership of Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, will work in close coordination with Food Safety officers.

The unit was inaugurated by Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Task Force, on Thursday, marking the launch of a dedicated, intelligence-driven mechanism to combat food adulteration.

H-FAST comprises 28 personnel, including Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, and supporting staff, focusing on surveillance, detection, and prosecution of offences related to unsafe food.

According to a press note from the Police Commissioner's office, the team will conduct raids in close coordination with Food Safety officers, ensuring effective enforcement through strong cooperation and seamless coordination.

A dedicated toll-free number 8712661212 has been established for the public to report instances of food adulteration and unsafe food practices. Citizens can also reach out through the official social media platforms of H-FAST to share information and complaints, enabling quicker response and wider public participation.

Officials emphasized that food adulteration is a serious offence posing a threat to public health. A zero-tolerance approach will be followed, and stringent legal action will be taken against offenders. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and actively report any suspicious food-related activities.

The unit has been established a day after two incidents in which police busted adulterated pickle manufacturing unit and raided six stores for selling adulterated paneer and dairy products.

The sleuths of Commissioner's Task Force, Khairtabad Zone Team in coordination with Food Security officer, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, raided six wholesale and retail stores near Ganj Bazar, Secunderabad and arrested six accused.

According to police, these establishment were allegedly engaged in the procuring and selling of adulterated/in-hygienic paneer and other dairy products in bulk quantity from the unknown source and selling to Food Catering services, hotels and needy customers.

In another case, Kulsumpura Police, busted an illegal and unhygienic pickle manufacturing unit in Jiyaguda. Two individuals were apprehended for preparing and selling adulterated pickles without a valid license.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some action! We pay GST on everything, at least we should get safe food in return. These adulterators playing with people's health deserve the strictest punishment. Hope H-FAST is not just for show and does regular, surprise checks.
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to Hyderabad, food safety was a concern. This is reassuring. The coordination between police and food safety officers sounds promising. Will they have a public dashboard showing actions taken?
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Karthik V
Good move, but execution is key. We have seen such squads start with fanfare and then become inactive. They need to target the big suppliers, not just small vendors. Adulterated dairy products are a menace across the country.
M
Meera T
My mother always says you can't trust outside food anymore. Pickles from an unhygienic unit? Horrible! I appreciate the police taking this up. Citizens must also do their duty and report using that number. Jai Hind.
D
David E
A respectful criticism: While the unit is a positive step, the article mentions it was formed *after* major busts. Shouldn't the surveillance mechanism have been proactive? Prevention is better than cure. Hope this intelligence-driven approach actually prevents crime.
A
Aman W

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