Dailymirror.news,30th,November,2025:Following orders from the Ex-Officio Special Chief Secretary of the Agriculture Department, teams conducted surprise inspections at stores selling “Sleep Well” incense sticks manufactured by Sai Hanuman Agencies, Vijayawada, and M/s Ashikas Company, Gunadala, Bengaluru.

Samples were submitted to the National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), Hyderabad, for laboratory analysis. The results confirmed the presence of Meperfluthrin, an unregistered and potentially harmful insecticide.

Acting on these findings, the NTR District Agriculture Officer and the Assistant Director (Business Support) inspected the shop of Sri Gollapudi Radha Krishna Murthy in Vijayawada. During the raid, authorities confiscated incense sticks worth nearly ₹69.24 lakh.

Officials warned that exposure to Meperfluthrin can lead to respiratory-related health issues. The Director of Agriculture has directed all state units to intensify inspections and take legal action under the Insecticides Act, 1968, and Insecticides Rules, 1971 against anyone found selling such products.

The Agriculture Department has advised consumers to exercise caution when purchasing “Sleep Well” incense sticks and to promptly report any suspicious products to the authorities.