HYDERABAD — In a city globally celebrated for its rich culinary heritage—where the aroma of slow-cooked biryani and the spice of robust haleem define daily life—a silent threat has been lurking in the kitchens. From synthetic colors to substandard oils, food adulteration has increasingly put public health at risk.
Enter H-FAST (Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team).
Marking its first 100 days of operations, this specialized wing has sent shockwaves through the city’s underground counterfeit food network, proving that Hyderabad’s love for food is matched only by its commitment to safety.
The 100-Day Crackdown: By the Numbers
In just over three months, H-FAST has shifted from a newly formed initiative into an aggressive enforcement machine. The scale of the crackdown paints a staggering picture of the challenges facing city food safety, and the efficiency with which authorities are answering the call.
| Metric | Achievement |
| Operational Timeline | 100 Days |
| Cases Registered | 185 Cases |
| Contaminated Food Seized | 121.87 Tonnes |
| Top Performing Zone | Rajendranagar (55 cases) |
The enforcement wasn’t uniform across the city; instead, tactical strikes targeted specific hubs. Rajendranagar Zone led the crackdown with a massive 55 cases, closely followed by Golconda with 44 cases, and Secunderabad wrapping up the top three with 35 cases.
Earning the Public’s Trust
An enforcement wing is only as good as its intelligence, and H-FAST has successfully managed to win the ultimate ally: the citizens of Hyderabad.
According to Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar, the wing has rapidly earned deep public confidence. This trust is best reflected in the numbers—the department now receives approximately 15 food adulteration tip-offs every single day from vigilant locals.
“Food adulteration is a grave threat to public health. We are building an ecosystem where citizens feel safe to speak up, and offenders have nowhere to hide.”
— VC Sajjanar, Hyderabad Police Commissioner
Zero Tolerance: The Warning to Repeat Offenders
The days of lenient fines and minor slaps on the wrist are officially over. Recognizing that adulteration can have fatal long-term health consequences, the Commissioner issued a stern warning to habitual violators.
Going forward, repeat offenders will face the strictest legal mechanisms available, including detention under the draconian Preventive Detention (PD) Act. By treating food fraud with the same severity as organized crime, Hyderabad police are making it clear that public health is non-negotiable.
How You Can Join the Fight
The success of H-FAST’s first 100 days proves that community-led policing works. The police department has urged everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious food manufacturing units, strange chemical smells near godowns, or visibly compromised food products.
If you suspect food adulteration, you can report it directly through these official, secure channels:
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📞 Emergency Line: Dial 100
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💬 Direct Action: Message the dedicated H-FAST WhatsApp helpline
Note on Safety: The police department explicitly guarantees complete confidentiality for all informants. Your identity will remain entirely anonymous.
As H-FAST enters its next phase, the message on the streets of Hyderabad is loud and clear: protect the plate, or face the law.
