VMC Cracks Down on Unhygienic Food, Illegal Tobacco Sales; 26 Units Shut

Vadodara: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) Food Safety Department issued closure notices to 26 food and tobacco-related units during inspections carried out across the city, while 85 litres of panipuri water, 4.5 kg of mashed potato and other unhygienic food items were seized and destroyed.

The inspections were conducted by Food Safety Officers at Muktanand Char Rasta, the Kalaghoda-Fatehgunj Road, the Sayajiganj-M.S. University area and around the Karelibaug Night Market. A total of 41 establishments, including 13 hawkers, 18 retailers, two manufacturing units, one food vending establishment and seven restaurants, were inspected.

During the inspection at Lovely Panipuri near Muktanand Char Rasta, officers found unhygienic panipuri water and food material. As a result, 85 litres of panipuri water and 3 kg of potato pulp were destroyed.

At nearby Bharat Punjabi Khana, officials found 1 kg of unhygienic cheese and 500 grams of Ajinomoto, which were also destroyed. The unit operated by Rajupan Trader was closed for allegedly operating without the required licence and registration, while Jalaram Sherdi Rasghar was shut down due to unhygienic conditions.

The civic body also took action under the Tobacco Act against vendors allegedly selling tobacco products, cigarettes and paan-masala near educational institutions. A total of 24 units, including eight hawkers and 16 retailers, were closed down.

Among the establishments shut in the Sayajiganj and M.S. University areas were Bonnie Parlour, Jaggoga Tea Stall, Patel Paan Parlour, A.D. Fast Food, Lovely Paan, Rajwadi Tea Stall, Jai Ambe Tea Stall, New Samat Stall, Jagdish Nine Food, Radheshyam Deluxe Paan and Tea Stall, L.M. Khatri General Store, Shiv Paan Centre-Sai Food Stall, Sayaji Tea Centre and Jay Ma Khodiyar Cha.

Other units closed along the Kalaghoda-Fatehgunj Road included Kiran Tea Stall, Jaibhole Tea Stall, Jai Mataji Tea Stall, Srinathji Cold Drinks and Tea Stall, Baiting Junction, Dewan Provision Store, Central Canteen Boys Hostel, Sanjay Mohanbhai Rana’s Lorry and Campus Corner.

The VMC said traders who reopen sealed units without permission from the civic body’s Food Department could face further action, including suspension of their FSSAI licence or registration. DeshGujarat