Police officers from Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST). | Photo credit: By arrangement
A specialized unit, the Hyderabad Food Adulteration Control Team (H-FAST) was launched on Thursday, March 19, to strengthen enforcement against food adulteration and unsafe food practices in the city. The initiative was set up under the leadership of Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar in collaboration with food safety officials at the old Begum Bazar Police Station building.
The unit was inaugurated by DCP (Task Force) Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath. Officials said the team consists of 28 personnel, including inspectors N. Ranjith Kumar Gouda and Anjaiah and sub-inspectors Ramya, Abhilash, Akhil and Krishna, along with support staff.
According to the police, the team will act as an intelligence-led unit focused on tracking, detecting and prosecuting offenses related to safe food. It will conduct raids in coordination with food safety officials to ensure effective enforcement.
A toll-free number 8712661212 has been set up for the public to report cases of food adulteration and unsafe food practices. Grievances can also be shared through the official H-FAST social media platforms.
Officials said a zero-tolerance approach would be adopted towards food adulteration and strict legal action would be taken against violators. The public was urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
Published – 19 March 2026 21:04 IST
