Authorities in Telangana have been actively monitoring the state’s spice industry, conducting extensive inspections across all 33 districts. This ‘Spices Drive’ initiative recently scrutinized over 30 manufacturing and repacking facilities to ensure product integrity and public safety.
During this intensive drive, more than 40 samples, including popular spices like chilli, turmeric, black pepper, coriander, curry leaf powder, and bay leaves, were collected for detailed laboratory analysis.
However, the investigations uncovered serious breaches at two specific locations: M/s Srivari Spices & Foods Limited in Jalpally, Rangareddy district, and M/s Divine Spices in Kapila Nagar Colony, Bandlaguda Jagir, Hyderabad. Inspectors documented alarming issues such as widespread pest and rodent infestations, unsanitary operational premises, the absence of a properly trained Food Safety supervisor (FoSTaC certification), the sale of unlabeled and expired products, and a concerning lack of medical fitness records for employees.
Among the most disturbing findings, 15 kilograms of black pepper and 18 kilograms of bay leaves were discovered to be contaminated with rat faeces and were immediately seized for further laboratory examination. Additionally, curry leaf powder found without proper labeling was confiscated, as it failed to comply with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, designed to protect consumers.
Consequently, multiple improvement notices were promptly issued to the offending units, and all contaminated stocks were confiscated to prevent them from reaching consumers. The Commissioner of Food Safety confirmed that stringent enforcement measures are being vigorously pursued to guarantee safe and hygienic spice production throughout Telangana, underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting citizen health.