60,000 kg of adulterated coconut powder worth ₹92.47 lakh seized in Hyderabad’s Begum Bazar

Food Safety Officers and Hyderabad Police uncover large-scale coconut powder adulteration operation in Begum Bazar, Hyderabad.

A surprise inspection by Food Safety Officers, in coordination with the Special Operations Team (SOT) of Hyderabad City Police, uncovered a large-scale operation involving the adulteration of coconut powder in Begum Bazar of Hyderabad. In total, 60,050 kilograms of coconut powder, estimated to be worth ₹92.47 lakh, was seized from the premises.

The inspection targeted Akash Trading Co., where the Food Business Operators (FBOs) were allegedly found repacking coconut powder under various brand names in violation of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. Authorities discovered that imported desiccated coconut powder was being mixed with loose, un-desiccated coconut powder to produce adulterated products.

Desiccated is dried, finely grated coconut with no moisture. It has a long shelf life because it is completely dry. Un-desiccated is grated coconut that has some moisture. It is less processed and can spoil faster

Officials stated that strict action would be taken against the offenders for compromising food quality and misleading consumers. Investigations are underway to ascertain the scale of the operation and its distribution network, said a release.