Mould Found in Kaju Katri Before Expiry, 11.5 Kg Stock Destroyed in Jamnagar

Jamnagar: Concerns over the quality and safety of sweets have surfaced in Jamnagar after mould was found in Kaju Katri purchased for the Satam festival, despite the product being within its stated expiry date.

Following a consumer complaint, the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation’s Food Department inspected the concerned outlet and destroyed around 11.5 kg of the affected Kaju Katri. The shop operator was also fined Rs 5,000 for violating food safety norms.

According to the complaint, customer Jay Shukla had purchased Kaju Katri from a ‘Nutbut’ brand outlet for around Rs 950 per kg ahead of the Satam festival. The box carried an expiry date of September 7, with five days still remaining when it was purchased.

However, after opening the packet at home, Shukla found the Kaju Katri spoiled and covered with mould. He subsequently contacted the company through its toll-free number and complained about the issue. According to Shukla, he did not receive a satisfactory response from the company, following which he lodged an online complaint with the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation’s Food Department.

Acting on the complaint, a Food Department team conducted an inspection at the Nutbut outlet on 80 Feet Ring Road near the amusement park. During the inspection, the team found visible mould on the Kaju Katri and detected a quantity of spoiled sweets. Around 11.5 kg of the stock was destroyed at the spot.

Jamnagar Municipal Corporation Food Safety Officer Harpalsinh Bhatia said action was taken against the outlet operator for violating food safety regulations. The department imposed a Rs 5,000 fine and issued necessary instructions to ensure compliance with food safety requirements.

The Food Department has intensified checks across the city ahead of the festive season, when demand for sweets and other food products increases. Shopkeepers and dairy-sweet outlets have been instructed to properly display their food licences, check expiry dates while purchasing stock, and mention the final date of use on sweets with a short shelf life.

The department has also appealed to consumers to remain cautious while purchasing packaged sweets and other food products. Consumers have been advised to check the manufacturing date, expiry date, packaging, and overall condition of food items before purchase. DeshGujarat