Das Khaman sealed, notices issued to 523 units in AMC food safety crackdown in Jan

Ahmedabad: The Food Department of the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has taken strict action against food units across all zones of the city to ensure public health safety. During January, AMC officials collected a total of 570 food samples and inspected 1,485 food establishments. Several units were sealed for violations of food safety norms and unhygienic conditions. As part of the enforcement drive, authorities also destroyed 1,126 kg and 1,318 litres of unhealthy and unsafe food items.

According to the civic body, a total of 570 food samples were collected during the month. These included 56 samples of winter food items such as dry fruits and jaggery, 14 samples of milk and milk products, 17 bakery samples, 59 samples of chocolates and sugar-boiled confectionery, 41 samples of sweets and jalebis, 10 samples of undhiyu, 27 samples of salt, 32 samples of gram flour, flour, and grains, nine samples of edible oil, two beverage samples, 69 samples of spices, and 234 samples of other food items.

Notices issued, unsafe food destroyed

Food safety officials took strict action against rule violations during inspections. A total of 1,485 food units were inspected, following which 523 notices were issued. Authorities destroyed 1,126 kg and 1,318 litres of unhealthy food items, including stale food, rotten fruits, and contaminated panipuri water. Administrative charges amounting to Rs 5.73 lakh were collected. Additionally, 235 Total Polar Compounds (TPC) tests were conducted to assess the quality of edible oil.

In a separate drive, 1,319 samples, including panipuri water and ragda, were collected. Out of these, 291 samples were found to contain harmful food-grade colours and unhealthy elements. All such panipuri units were shut down by the estate and health departments in the respective zones.

Food units sealed for unhygienic conditions

AMC also sealed several food establishments for compromising public health and operating without proper licences. Das Khaman in Nikol was sealed on January 13 due to unsanitary conditions and the lack of a licence. On January 20, Sawai Bhoj Maharaj in Usmanpura and Shailesh’s Panipuri in Behrampura were sealed for unhygienic conditions. Later, a food unit belonging to Afzal Ahmedbhai Zaveri in Juhapura was sealed for operating without a food safety licence and maintaining poor hygiene.

Several samples declared non-compliant

Under the FSSAI Act, samples from multiple units across the city were declared non-compliant. These included low-fat paneer from Radhe Dairy Parlour in Shahibaug, green turmeric from a hawker near Jamalpur Bridge, patra from Jai Amb Patra House in Krishnanagar, and ghee from Jain Chavana Mart in Naroda.

Other non-compliant samples included green chutney from Shri Ram Cholaphali in Indrapuri, frimes from Ramdev Dryfruits in Maninagar, green chutney from Balaji Paua House in Amraiwadi, paneer from Krishna Milks in Vastral, jaggery from KP Super Market in Nikol, and butter from Hor Kidan Foods Pvt Ltd in Navrangpura. Authorities said action has been initiated under the FSSAI Act against all concerned units.

Adulteration poses serious health risks

Officials warned that adulterated food can have severe health consequences. Laboratory testing has revealed adulteration practices such as adding starch, palm oil, or low-quality fats to paneer, butter, and ghee, which reduces nutritional value and increases the risk of heart disease. The use of non-permitted food-grade colours in panipuri water and chutneys can cause indigestion, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhoea. Sulphur dioxide used to brighten jaggery may damage the respiratory system and trigger asthma. Repeated use of overheated oil in farsan and fried snacks can lead to acidity and other serious health issues. DeshGujarat