Ghaziabad: Food Safety department officials, during a random raid at a spice mill in Modinagar, Ghaziabad on Thursday, witnessed a disturbing practice of mixing industrial dyes used for clothes with turmeric and chili powder.

According to a report, the officials found a number of packets of synthetic colors clearly labeled ‘for industrial use only’ and ‘poisonous’ at the Annapurna Flour Mill, owned by businessman Ashok Garg. The officials seized 150 kg of red chili powder and 200 kg of turmeric powder from the mill. These spices were being sold to large and small eateries, dhabas, and roadside eateries.

Sources stated that as of Friday evening, no formal complaint had been lodged against the mill owner. Officials mentioned that the case of sub-standard products and misbranding could result in significant fines and penalties of up to Rs 5 lakh.

Authorities suspect that the mill owner may have received a tip-off about the raid, as the operation coincided with similar raids in the area. Concerns arise that some of the adulterated stock may have been concealed before the inspection, the report noted.

The seized samples will be sent for testing in Lucknow to ascertain the level of adulteration, with legal action to ensue if required.