Your jeerawala tadka could be deadly: How cement-coated fennel is being sold as cumin in a fake spice racket across India

After the recent shock over clay-made mustard seeds, another disturbing food adulteration case has surfaced in Madhya Pradesh. In Gwalior, what households believed to be cumin turned out to be fennel seeds coated with cement, chemicals, colour, and artificial fragrance.

As per media reports, the shocking racket has raised serious concerns over food safety and the ease with which adulterated spices are entering Indian kitchens.

What exactly was being sold as cumin?

According to police investigations, the accused were not selling real cumin at all. Instead, fennel seeds were chemically treated, cement-coated, coloured, and polished to closely resemble cumin seeds. In some instances, old and spoiled cumin was also chemically processed to make it look fresh and fit for sale.


These fake spices were then packed and transported like genuine branded products, making it almost impossible for consumers to spot the difference.

FIR filed against three businessmen in Gwalior

As per a NDTV report, police have registered an FIR against three businessmen accused of manufacturing and supplying fake cumin under a popular brand name. The accused have been identified as:

• Hitesh Singhal alias Champak, resident of Vinay Nagar
• Manoj, manager at Maa Sheetla Cold Storage, Purani Chhawani
• Titu Agarwal, based in Jhansi

The racket came to light after authorities seized 46 sacks of adulterated cumin, valued at more than Rs 3.25 lakh, from a transport company in Bahodapur.

Fake cumin sold using a popular brand name

The case was filed following a complaint by Vimal Kumar Patel, a resident of Mehsana, Gujarat, and the owner of the Shivpujari brand. Patel alleged that the accused were illegally printing lookalike packaging and flooding the market with low-quality, unsafe cumin under his brand’s name.

He claimed the fake product damaged both consumer health and the brand’s reputation.

How the adulterated cumin was caught

Police teams, along with Dal Bazaar traders and brand representatives, intercepted the consignment at Uttar Pradesh–Madhya Pradesh Transport in Bahodapur. The fake cumin was being shipped from Gwalior to Jhansi, indicating a wider supply network across states.

The seized stock has been sent for laboratory testing, and further action will depend on the test reports.

Health risks linked to cement and chemical-coated spices

Health experts warn that consuming such adulterated spices can have serious health consequences. Regular intake may affect:

• Digestion
• Liver function
• Gut health
• Long-term immunity

Cement and chemical residues in food can be especially harmful if consumed over time.

Price gap made fake cumin hard to resist

One reason the adulterated cumin spread easily was its lower price. While genuine branded cumin usually sells for Rs 250 to Rs 450 per kg, the fake version was being sold at Rs 150 to Rs 180 per kg.

This price difference made it tempting for retailers and unsuspecting buyers, especially when packed in sacks carrying well-known brand names.

Police assure strict action after lab reports

Additional Superintendent of Police Jayaraj Kuber confirmed the seizure and said strict legal action would follow once laboratory reports are received.

“Cumin manufactured by coating fennel seeds with cement and chemicals has been seized based on the brand owner’s complaint. Samples have been sent for testing,” he said.

Rising food adulteration cases raise alarm

With repeated cases of adulterated spices surfacing across states, the incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for stricter checks, stronger enforcement, and consumer awareness to ensure food safety.

Inputs from agencies