Spice consignment valued at over Rs 1.11 crore seized during inspection in Gujarat
Rajkot, June 18
A consignment of suspected adulterated spices worth over Rs 1.11 crore was seized during a raid conducted by the Food and Drugs Regulatory Department in Rajkot district's Gondal, as part of a statewide drive to strengthen food safety enforcement in Gujarat, an official said.
Acting on instructions from the Health Minister Praful Pansheriya, the department carried out an inspection on June 17 at M/s Satyam Masala, located in Bhimwadi of Gondal.
Officials said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure the availability of safe, pure and quality food products to consumers across the state.
During the inspection, officials collected samples of four suspected food items, including loose coriander powder and corn powder.
A total stock of approximately 6,766 kg of these two items, valued at around Rs 8,22,620, was seized from the premises. In a further seizure, samples of loose chilli powder and turmeric powder were also taken.
The authorities impounded approximately 28,671 kg of these products, with an estimated value of Rs 1,02,81,585.
Altogether, the department seized 35,527 kg of suspected food products from the facility.
The total value of the seized stock has been assessed at Rs 1,11,04,205. Officials confirmed that all collected samples have been sent to an authorised laboratory for quality testing.
Further action will be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act once the laboratory reports are received.
Pansheriya said the state government remains committed to safeguarding public health and will take strict action against any violations in food production and distribution.
He said: "The government is highly sensitive towards matters related to public health. Strict action will be taken against the production and sale of adulterated, substandard or health-risk food products. No leniency will be shown against such elements in the interest of public health."
The Food and Drugs Regulatory Department has stated that inspection drives are being intensified across the state, and similar enforcement actions will continue in the coming days to ensure compliance with food safety standards and to protect consumers.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is good news but I wish they would inspect more places regularly. Small shops in villages often sell loose spices with no quality checks. The government should also educate consumers about checking for adulteration at home. Prevention is better than cure.
I understand the need for action but we must also consider the livelihoods of small scale manufacturers. If this is a one-time mistake, perhaps a warning and corrective measures could work instead of heavy-handed seizures. But if intentional adulteration is proved, then no mercy. Balance is key.
I'm relieved the government is finally cracking down on adulterated spices. As a mother, I worry about what my family consumes daily. Chilli powder, turmeric, coriander - these are staples in every Indian kitchen. Glad the Health Minister is taking this seriously. Hope it's not just a photo op though.
Adulteration in spices is like a cancer in our food system. I applaud the department for this action but I wonder if they have the capacity to inspect all units in Gujarat. 35,527 kg! That's insane. We need more surprise checks and a strong deterrent to stop this menace.
This is shocking but unfortunately not surprising. I've heard from relatives in Gujarat that some local brands use cheap fillers like corn powder and even sawdust in spices. The government needs to implement stricter FSSAI rules and make lab testing mandatory for all packaged spices sold in India. Our health comes first.
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