The Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) in Gujarat seized 61,690 kilogrammes of adulterated spice stock from Nadiad in a joint operation with the police, according to an official statement from FDCA on Tuesday.
The Dev Spices Nadiad, Sadguru Sales Corporation Kamla Village, and D Dev Spices Pvt Ltd Nani Silod facilities were searched by the FDCA. Chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder and pickle masala that were adulterated were seized during the raids.
The team also discovered ground paper, oleoresin, and starch powder at the location where the spices were allegedly being adulterated.
In addition to the 12 samples that were taken from these locations and sent to the lab for analysis, the remaining 61,690 kilogrammes of spices, which were worth Rs 73.27 lakh, were seized.
According to FDCA, the firms used to source the Oleoresin from Kerala and Sadguru Sales Corporation used to sell the adulterated spices in the market through various brand names including Extra Hot Tej Mirchi Powder, Appu Brand Mirchi Powder, Tiger Brand Teekhalal Mirchi Powder, Teekhalal, Jyoti Tej Mirchi Powder.
The official release also stated that Sadguru was fined Rs 6.75 lakh for adulteration in the past.