Two held for allegedly supplying beef as mutton to hotels in Hyderabad; 50 kg of meat seized

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 2 (HBTV): Two persons were apprehended by the Crime Team of the Central Crime Station (CCS) and H-FAST Hyderabad for allegedly supplying beef as mutton to several hotels in the city, police said on Wednesday.

According to Hyderabad Police, the suspects were intercepted on July 1 following specific intelligence inputs. During the operation, officials seized around 50 kg of meat allegedly mixed with beef.

Following their apprehension, the CCS team handed over the suspects to the Habeeb Nagar Police Station for further legal action. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to determine the extent of the alleged supply network and identify all establishments involved.

Hyderabad Police said further investigation into the case is in progress.

Earlier, on June 19, in a major crackdown on food adulteration, Hyderabad Police's H-FAST (Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team), along with a Food Safety Officer, conducted a surprise raid on an illegal fast-food godown operating under the jurisdiction of Hussainialam Police Station in the Charminar area and seized 110 kg of adulterated food stock.

Acting on credible inputs, the team inspected the premises of Al Akbar Fast Food and Godown at New Laad Bazar in Panch Mohalla. Officials found that food items were being prepared and stored in highly unhygienic and unsafe conditions, posing a serious risk to public health.

According to officials, the unit was operating without the mandatory licence issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and was using prohibited artificial food colours, including MSK Lion Green and Raspberry Red. The inspection also revealed the reuse of stale cooking oil, the absence of water quality certification, a lack of pest control measures, and grossly unhygienic conditions.

During the raid, authorities seized around 110 kg of prepared fried chicken, six tins of loose cooking oil containing 15 litres each, and multiple packets of artificial chemical food colours. Two persons allegedly responsible for operating the illegal facility were apprehended.

Source: ANI