Sauce that may be costing lives sold at just Rs 20/litre to vendors: UP food raid seizes over 200 litres of contaminated stock

A food manufacturing unit in Pannapuri, Hapur, has been sealed by the food safety department after a raid uncovered the production of adulterated tomato sauce prepared in highly unhygienic conditions using vegetable pulp, acid and banned synthetic colours.

Officials recovered nearly 200 litres of contaminated sauce, which was allegedly being supplied to local eateries and street vendors at just Rs 20 per litre, raising serious concerns about public health risks in the area.

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According to food commissioner Sunil Kumar, the inspection revealed the use of unsafe and prohibited materials inside the unit.

“Samples have been sent for lab test. The product appeared unsafe for consumption,” Sunil Kumar told TOI. He added that the entire stock has been seized and destruction procedures have already been initiated.


Authorities have also launched a wider investigation to trace the supply chain linked to the illegal production unit.

“A probe has been launched to identify others involved in the supply chain and distribution network,” he said.

The commissioner further confirmed that strict legal action will follow once laboratory results are received.

“If the samples are found unsafe for consumption, a case will be filed against the operator,” Sunil Kumar told TOI.

Officials have also issued a public advisory, urging people to be cautious while consuming street food and low-cost products. They warned that unusually cheap food items often indicate the use of substandard or adulterated ingredients, and stressed the importance of basic hygiene checks before consumption.