26 tonnes of adulterated fennel seeds seized in Gujarat's Mehsana district
Synopsis
Gujarat's FDCA seized over 26 tonnes of fennel seeds allegedly dyed with non-edible chemicals at Unjha — a major spice hub — catching two unlicensed operators in the process. With lab results still pending, the case underscores how deeply adulteration has penetrated India's spice supply chain, even at its trading heartland.
Key Takeaways
The FDCA Flying Squad seized 26+ tonnes of suspected adulterated fennel seeds valued at ₹19.6 lakh near Unjha, Mehsana on 9 July .
Raids targeted two premises: M/s Bhargavkumar Pravinbhai Patel and M/s Patel Rakeshkumar Talsibhai .
Fennel seeds were allegedly treated with non-edible chemical colouring to enhance visual appeal.
Neither operator held a mandatory Food Safety Licence for food processing.
Three statutory samples have been sent for laboratory testing; further action awaits results.
Health Minister Praful Pansheriya pledged intensified enforcement under a 'zero tolerance' policy.
More than 26 tonnes of fennel seeds suspected of being laced with non-edible chemical colouring were seized near Unjha in Mehsana district, Gujarat, on 9 July, with authorities initiating legal proceedings against two traders as part of the state's intensifying crackdown on food adulteration. The consignment is valued at approximately ₹19.6 lakh.
How the Seizure Unfolded
The Flying Squad of the Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) conducted surprise inspections at Unava village near Unjha — a major fennel trading hub in Gujarat — and raided two premises: the warehouse of M/s Bhargavkumar Pravinbhai Patel and the premises of M/s Patel Rakeshkumar Talsibhai. Preliminary investigations indicated that the fennel seeds were allegedly being treated with chemical-based non-edible colouring to make them appear greener and more visually appealing to buyers.
Food Safety Officers collected three statutory samples of the seized fennel seeds for laboratory analysis after detecting what they described as 'a strong suspicion of the use of non-edible colouring agents.' The samples have been dispatched for testing, and further action will depend on the laboratory findings.
Operators Lacked Mandatory Licences
FDCA officers found that neither of the two operators held the mandatory Food Safety Licence required for the manufacture or processing of food products — a significant aggravating factor in the legal proceedings now underway. Officials said this compounded the severity of the alleged violation.
What the Government Said
State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya stated that the government was pursuing a policy of 'zero tolerance' against food adulteration under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. 'Playing with citizens' health will not be tolerated. The Food and Drugs Control Administration has seized more than 26 tonnes of fennel seeds worth ₹19.6 lakh that were suspected to have been adulterated with chemical colour, and strict legal action has been initiated,' Pansheriya said.
He added that enforcement would only grow sharper: 'The Food and Drugs Department is continuously vigilant to protect people's health. In the coming days, this checking campaign against illegal operators and food adulterators will be intensified and made more stringent.'
Part of a Broader Statewide Drive
The Mehsana operation forms part of a wider FDCA campaign targeting food adulteration across Gujarat. Authorities have stepped up inspections in recent months, particularly focusing on products suspected of being altered through unauthorised colours, chemicals, or other prohibited substances. Notably, Unjha's prominence as a spice trading centre makes it a recurring focal point for such enforcement drives. The investigation into this seizure remains ongoing.
Point of View
Where visual appeal drives price and chemical shortcuts follow. The absence of Food Safety Licences at both raided premises suggests enforcement gaps that go beyond a single raid. Gujarat's 'zero tolerance' rhetoric will be tested by what happens after the lab results: whether penalties are proportionate and prosecutions actually proceed, or whether the campaign fades once the headlines do. India's spice export reputation — already under scrutiny globally — cannot afford the latter.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was seized in the Mehsana FDCA raid?
More than 26 tonnes of fennel seeds suspected of being adulterated with non-edible chemical colouring were seized near Unjha in Mehsana district, Gujarat. The consignment was valued at approximately ₹19.6 lakh.
Why were the fennel seeds allegedly adulterated?
According to preliminary investigations, the seeds were allegedly treated with chemical-based non-edible colouring to make them appear greener and more visually appealing, which can command a higher market price. The exact substances used will be confirmed by laboratory testing.
Who carried out the raid and where?
The Flying Squad of Gujarat's Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) conducted surprise inspections at Unava village near Unjha, raiding two premises — those of M/s Bhargavkumar Pravinbhai Patel and M/s Patel Rakeshkumar Talsibhai.
Were the operators licensed to handle food products?
No. FDCA officers found that neither operator held the mandatory Food Safety Licence required for the manufacture or processing of food products, which is an additional legal violation compounding the adulteration charges.
What happens next in the Mehsana fennel seeds case?
Three statutory samples of the seized fennel seeds have been sent for laboratory analysis. Further legal action will be determined based on the test results, while the broader FDCA enforcement campaign across Gujarat is set to be intensified.
