A fake tea powder manufacturing unit using coconut fibre powder (cocopit) and banned synthetic dyes has been busted in Hyderabad by the Hyderabad Task Force Police. The illegal operation, uncovered in Sanath Nagar, led to the seizure of 120 kg of adulterated tea powder and 138 kg of cocopit mixture. The accused allegedly mixed low-grade tea dust with banned food colours such as Sunset Yellow and Tartrazine Orange to mimic authentic tea, posing serious health risks to consumers.

How the Adulteration Racket Operated

According to police officials, the accused — identified as Jagannath Bishnoi — manufactured fake tea powder using:

Cocopit (coconut fibre powder) as the primary base
Low-quality tea dust
Banned synthetic dyes like Sunset Yellow and Tartrazine Orange
Jaggery water to enhance color and appearance

The mixture was then supplied to:

Roadside tea stalls
Small hotels
Local vendors seeking cheaper alternatives

Authorities confirmed the seizure of large quantities during raids in the Sanath Nagar area.

Health Risks: Doctors Issue Warning

Medical experts have cautioned that consumption of such adulterated products can lead to:

Severe digestive system damage
Toxic buildup due to synthetic dyes
Increased risk of kidney and liver complications
Long-term cancer risks

This incident comes close on the heels of the adulterated milk scandal in Rajahmundry, where dangerous chemicals allegedly led to illness and deaths, triggering statewide alarm over food safety standards.

Enforcement & Legal Action

Officials from the Hyderabad Task Force and Food Safety Department have:

Registered a case against the accused
Warned of strict action under preventive detention laws (PD Act)
Urged citizens to report suspicious food manufacturing or sales immediately

Authorities emphasized that repeated violations of food safety regulations will invite severe criminal penalties.

Key Entities

Hyderabad Task Force Police – Special Enforcement Wing, Telangana Police
Food Safety Department, Telangana – Regulatory authority monitoring food standards
Jagannath Bishnoi – Accused in fake tea manufacturing case
Sanath Nagar – Industrial locality in Hyderabad

Public Advisory

Consumers are advised to:

Purchase tea powder and milk only from authorized and reputable vendors
Avoid unusually low-priced bulk supplies
Immediately report suspected adulteration to food safety officials

Final Verdict

The busting of the fake tea powder unit in Hyderabad highlights an alarming pattern of food adulteration in Telugu states. With recent incidents involving contaminated milk and now synthetic dye-laced tea, public health remains at serious risk. While enforcement agencies have acted swiftly, sustained vigilance, strict penalties, and consumer awareness will be critical to preventing such life-threatening adulteration practices in the future.