Man held for manufacturing and distributing adulterated mouth fresheners

After cases of adulteration in coconut powder, tea powder, chilli powder, and ginger-garlic paste, a man from Hyderabad’s Chudi Bazaar has now been caught manufacturing mouth-freshener using harmful additives.

The South West Zone Task Force, in coordination with the GHMC Food Safety Officer, raided his manufacturing unit and seized adulterated products worth ₹1.20 lakh.

The adulterated goods were being distributed to stores and hotels across Hyderabad, putting public health at risk for financial gain, said the police.

The accused, identified as Kamal Kishor Ojha, 57, a resident of Chudi Bazaar, was found manufacturing and supplying adulterated mouth fresheners. The raid led to the seizure of 12 bags of mouth fresheners, each weighing between 25 to 30 kilograms, along with seven bags of adulterated sugar balls mixed with red colour, and multiple boxes of synthetic food colours, including IDACOL Food Colour variants such as F09 Tartrazine, FD Ponceau 4R, and FD Pea Green FCF. Additionally, a box of Three Star Raspberry Red Sugar was also confiscated.

“Investigations revealed that Kamal Kishor Ojha had been illegally adulterating mouth fresheners by adding synthetic colours and unauthorised sweeteners to enhance their appearance and aroma. These products were being sold without a valid licence, in clear violation of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines,” said the police.

Authorities have warned that the consumption of such unbranded and adulterated mouth fresheners can lead to severe health issues. Acting on a tip-off, the Commissioner’s Task Force, South West Zone, along with the Food Safety Officer, conducted the raid, ensuring that the harmful products were removed from circulation.

Published - March 01, 2025 12:31 am IST