A specialised unit, Hyderabad Food Adulteration Surveillance Team (H-FAST), was launched on Thursday, March 19, to strengthen enforcement against food adulteration and unsafe food practices in the city. The initiative has been set up under the leadership of Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar in coordination with Food Safety Officers at the old Begum Bazar police station building.

The unit was inaugurated by DCP (Task Force) Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath. Officials said the team comprises 28 personnel, including Inspectors N. Ranjith Kumar Goud and Anjaiah, and Sub-Inspectors Ramya, Abhilash, Akhil and Krishna, along with the supporting staff.

According to the police, the team will function as an intelligence-driven unit focusing on surveillance, detection and prosecution of offences related to unsafe food. It will conduct raids in coordination with Food Safety Officers 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. Complaints can also be shared through official social media platforms of H-FAST.

Officials said a zero-tolerance approach will be adopted towards food adulteration and strict legal action will be taken against violators. The public has been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.