Hyderabad, March 19 (NationPress) In a proactive measure to enhance food safety enforcement, Hyderabad Police have launched a dedicated food adulteration monitoring team. This initiative, known as the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST), is spearheaded by the Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar and aims to collaborate closely with Food Safety officers.

The team was officially inaugurated by Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Task Force, on Thursday, marking the debut of an intelligence-led strategy to tackle food adulteration.

H-FAST consists of 28 members, including Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors, and is dedicated to monitoring, identifying, and prosecuting violations concerning unsafe food.

As per a statement from the Police Commissioner’s office, this unit will execute raids in conjunction with Food Safety officers to ensure robust enforcement through effective collaboration.

A toll-free number, 8712661212, has been established for citizens to report cases of food adulteration and unsafe food practices. Additionally, the public can engage with H-FAST through their official social media channels to share insights and complaints, facilitating faster responses and broader public involvement.

Officials reiterated that food adulteration is a grave offence that poses significant risks to public health. A strict zero-tolerance policy will be adopted, and offenders will face severe legal repercussions. The community is encouraged to stay alert and report any questionable food-related activities.

This unit was initiated shortly after two significant incidents where police dismantled an illicit pickle manufacturing operation and conducted raids on six shops selling adulterated paneer and dairy products.

The Commissioner’s Task Force, specifically the Khairtabad Zone Team, in collaboration with the Food Security officer, raided six wholesale and retail outlets near Ganj Bazar in Secunderabad, resulting in the arrest of six individuals.

According to law enforcement, these establishments were allegedly involved in sourcing and distributing adulterated and unhygienic paneer and other dairy items in large quantities from unidentified suppliers, catering to food service providers, hotels, and individual customers.

In a separate operation, the Kulsumpura Police uncovered an illegal and unhygienic pickle production facility in Jiyaguda, apprehending two individuals for producing and selling adulterated pickles without the necessary licenses.