Massive Seizure of Noxious Chicken in Secunderabad
In a significant crackdown on the sale of contaminated meat, the Commissioner’s Task Force, North Zone Team, Hyderabad City, in coordination with the Sanitary Officer of Cantonment, Secunderabad, conducted surprise raids on two chicken shops—‘S.S.S Chicken Shop’ and ‘Ravi Chicken Shop’—located in Anna Nagar and Arjun Nagar, Begumpet, Secunderabad. During the operation, officials seized a massive quantity of hazardous chicken unfit for consumption and arrested two individuals involved in the illegal trade.
Details of the Accused
The arrested individuals were identified as:
- M. Bhasker (34), son of M. Ellaiah, owner of S.S.S Chicken Shop, Arjun Nagar, Rasoolpura, Secunderabad.
- Botta Raveendar (24), son of Iialah, owner of Ravi Chicken Shop, Anna Nagar, Balamrai, Secunderabad.
Seized Material
Authorities confiscated approximately 600 kilograms of frozen and stored hazardous chicken waste and bones, which were intended for sale to various eateries at significantly lower prices than market rates.
Uncovering the Illegal Trade – How Contaminated Chicken Reached Consumers
Investigations revealed that both accused individuals, residents of Indiranagar, Rasoolpura, and Indirammanagar, respectively, devised a scheme to sell discarded chicken waste and bones. Their primary customers included fast-food outlets and establishments adjacent to wine shops, where they supplied the contaminated meat at lower prices.
To enhance the appearance and taste of the substandard meat, fast-food vendors reportedly mixed the chicken with artificial colors, flavor enhancers like Ajinomoto, and other chemicals. This deceptive practice enabled them to attract unsuspecting consumers who remained unaware of the health risks associated with consuming such meat.
Serious Health Hazards Posed by the Consumption of Noxious Chicken
The prolonged freezing and storage of chicken waste caused it to become highly toxic, posing severe health risks to consumers. Some potential dangers include:
- Food Poisoning: Consuming contaminated chicken can lead to bacterial infections such as Salmonella and E. coli, causing severe gastrointestinal distress.
- Toxic Chemical Reactions: Artificial additives like Ajinomoto and food colorings may trigger allergic reactions, hormonal imbalances, and other long-term health complications.
- Weakened Immunity: Regular consumption of substandard or chemically treated meat can compromise the immune system, making individuals susceptible to various illnesses.
- Liver and Kidney Damage: The toxins in spoiled meat can strain the body’s detoxification organs, increasing the risk of chronic diseases.
Public Safety Advisory – How to Avoid Consuming Contaminated Chicken
Authorities have issued an urgent advisory to the public, urging increased vigilance when purchasing or consuming chicken from street vendors and fast-food outlets. Here are some key precautions to follow:
✅ Verify the Hygiene Standards of Chicken Shops: Ensure that chicken is purchased only from reputed and hygienic sources.
✅ Inspect the Meat Before Consumption: Check for unusual odors, slimy textures, or unnatural colors, which may indicate spoilage or chemical treatment.
✅ Be Cautious at Fast-Food Centers: Confirm the quality of the chicken used in meals before placing an order at roadside eateries or budget-friendly restaurants.
✅ Avoid Chicken from Shops Near Wine Outlets: Vendors selling chicken in areas adjacent to liquor shops often engage in unhygienic practices to maximize profits.
✅ Report Suspicious Vendors: If you suspect any vendor of selling spoiled or chemically treated chicken, immediately contact the authorities. Dial ‘100’ or inform local police and GHMC officials to prevent the spread of hazardous food.
Successful Operation Led by Law Enforcement and Sanitary Officials
The successful raid and seizure were carried out under the leadership of K. Saidulu, Inspector of Police, with support from Sub-Inspectors Srinivasulu Dasu and P. Gnanadeep. The North Zone Task Force worked in collaboration with the Sanitary Officer of Cantonment, Secunderabad, and his team to ensure public health safety by cracking down on the illegal sale of noxious chicken.
This operation serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of food safety and the role of vigilant authorities in protecting public health. Consumers are urged to remain cautious and report any suspicious activities to help combat the spread of contaminated food in the market.
