After Muddy Mustard, Now ‘Cement-Coated Cumin’ Found in Gwalior: Fake Spice Scandal Exposed

Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh: Food adulteration has reached a shocking new level in Madhya Pradesh. Following the recent discovery of mustard contaminated with mud in Sagar, authorities in Gwalior have busted a large-scale operation producing fake cumin. Investigators found that cheap seeds, including fennel, were coated with cement and chemicals to mimic the appearance of cumin, then packaged in branded packets and supplied to the market.

Police and the Food Safety Department raided a cold storage facility in Transport Nagar, Gwalior, recovering 46 sacks of counterfeit cumin. The facility manager and two others have been booked in connection with the case.

How the Fake Cumin Was Made
Preliminary investigations revealed that fennel seeds were coated with a mixture of cement and chemicals to imitate cumin. The processed seeds were then dried and packed into branded packets designed to resemble well-known spice companies, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between real and fake products. Officials recovered packaging materials, empty branded packets, and sealing machines from the site, indicating that the packaging itself was carried out at the facility.

The tip-off came from the actual owners of the branded company, based in Gujarat, who alerted the local police after discovering that their brand was being misused. The seized 46 sacks have been sent for laboratory testing, while the Food Safety Department is conducting a detailed investigation to determine how long the fake cumin had been in circulation and which areas it was supplied to.

Health Risks
Experts warn that consuming adulterated products containing cement and chemicals can pose serious health risks, including allergies, chronic illnesses, and other severe health problems. Police action has been taken under food safety laws as well as copyright law, as the counterfeit products falsely used registered brand names. Interrogation of the accused may also reveal a larger supply chain and additional suspects.