Gujarat, Feb 2: Food safety authorities in Gujarat have unearthed a large-scale spice adulteration racket in Mehsana district, where fennel seeds were allegedly being chemically treated and misbranded to resemble cumin before being supplied to markets, officials said.
According to information shared by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the Gujarat Food and Drugs Control Administration recently conducted inspections in Mehsana and exposed the illegal operation, which involved processing and packaging adulterated spices in violation of food safety norms.
Officials said fennel was being subjected to chemical treatment to alter its appearance and pass it off as cumin, a widely consumed kitchen staple. Such practices pose serious health risks to consumers, particularly when chemicals are used to modify food products without disclosure or regulatory approval.
Visuals, as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust released by authorities showed sacks of spices and packaged material stored at the premises, indicating the scale of the operation. The seized stock is being tested further to determine the exact nature of chemicals used and the extent of contamination.
The food safety regulator said strict action is being taken to prevent adulterated and toxic food items from reaching consumers’ plates. Authorities reiterated their commitment to strengthening surveillance, conducting regular inspections, and enforcing compliance under food safety laws.
Officials added that further investigation is underway to identify supply chains, distributors, and markets where the adulterated spices may have been circulated. Legal action will follow based on the findings of laboratory analysis and inquiry reports.
Food safety experts have repeatedly warned that adulteration of spices remains a persistent challenge due to high demand and profit margins, making sustained enforcement and public awareness critical to consumer protection. [KNT]
