Indore: In a joint action, the police crime branch, food and drug administration, sales tax department, and Indore Municipal Corporation sealed a factory that made spices in Nayta Mundla on Wednesday.
Officials found that spices were prepared in unhygienic conditions. About 14 sacks of clove stalks, carom seed powder and cardamom peels were seized, which was believed to be used in preparing adulterated spices.
According to senior food safety officer Manish Swami, raid was conducted on manufacturing unit of Rishabh Food Products owned by Jinesh Jain, resident of Bakhtawarram Nagar.
“The spices were prepared in filthy condition. After finding clove stalks and other raw material, we took samples of 12 spices prepared by them. Samples of turmeric powder, soyabean oil, Divya Jyoti garam masala, black pepper powder, coriander powder, pickle masala and other products were collected,” Swami said.
During interrogation, factory owner informed officials that he had kept the material for dumping in garbage. He also added that he sold products at low cost to people.
“Jain has been preparing spices in the factory since 2003 and it is believed that a huge amount of tax has been evaded. Officials of sales tax are surveying factory. Action will continue on Thursday as well,” Swami said.
Sub standard material used
DIG Ruchi Vardhan Mishra told media that sub standard raw material was seized from the factory, which was used in preparing spices. “Crime branch has also seized one laptop, account books from the factory premises, which were handed over to sales tax department. Accounts of family members will also be checked,” Mishra added.
