Tipsy treats hit Twin Cities
In what can be termed as a blatant violation of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines, small time chocolate manufacturers in the city have now turned to making liquor chocolates to make a fast buck.
100 illegal liquor chocolates making units thrive in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: In what can be termed as a blatant violation of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines, small time chocolate manufacturers in the city have now turned to making liquor chocolates to make a fast buck.
FSSAI classified the chocolates into eight varieties in which liquor chocolates are not included. Import of such chocolates is also banned in India but many manufacturers working from dingy units in Old Mallepally and other areas in the city are thriving.
- With the onset of the festive season, liquor chocolate manufacturing doubles
- FSSAI has also banned the import of such products
On Friday, the Excise Department raided a unit on a tip off and took custody of two persons and seized 400 chocolates weighing about 2 kg and seven bottles of whisky and vodka. Interestingly, the names of the chocolates are Rum chocolate, Scotch chocolate, Rum Rats, Black Current, Rum Rising, Teachers Chocolate etc.
When the officials took people into custody, they said that the liquor bottles were for personal consumption. Excise Department Special Task Force and Enforcement Office C V Shashidhar Reddy said that based on a complaint raids were conducted at the chocolate manufacturing unit in Old Mallepally. The samples have been sent to laboratory for testing.
The raids have revealed several shocking facts. The officials have found that there were 380 brands of liquor chocolates. During preliminary investigation by the sleuths, it was found that some 100-odd such independent manufacturing units have come up in Hyderabad and several were manufacturing the chocolates at home. The liquor chocolates were being sold at shopping malls and high-end stores ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 500.
Sales of such chocolates are high during festive time and New Year, the officials said. Many manufacturers in the city in areas like Mallepally, Mangalhat and other areas prepare the chocolates and supply them to various malls. These chocolates are manufactured in various shapes including miniature bottles and are packed in attractive wrappers, excise official said.
The officials said they have information that in addition to the identified 100 units there could be many more such units which are operated as cottage industries in Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts.
By Jayendra Chaitanya
