VMC seals hospital canteen running without licence; another restaurant fined ₹20,000

Vadodara: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation’s Food Department inspected 12 food establishments across the city, sealed a canteen operating without a valid licence or registration, and imposed a ₹20,000 fine during a recent food safety drive.

The inspections were carried out in Atladra, Maneja, Harni-Warasia Ring Road, VIP Road, Vrindavan Crossroads, Ajwa Road, Vaikunth Crossroads and Zavernagar. The teams inspected one restaurant and 11 canteens at government, semi-government and private educational institutions, hospitals and industrial units.

Five food samples, including tea, turmeric powder, chilli powder, tuvar dal and moong dal, were collected and sent to the Public Health Laboratory in Fatehgunj for analysis. Four units were issued Schedule 4 notices, while another received an improvement notice.

The canteen of Pranayam Lung Hospital (Leo Hospitality and Beverages) on VIP Road was sealed and shut down for operating without a valid licence or registration, as well as for unhygienic conditions and inadequate documentation.

The canteen of Bankers Heart and Multispecialty Hospital and the Marutinandan Boys’ Hostel canteen were also issued notices over documentation and hygiene-related issues. Madhav Kathiyawadi Restaurant near Zavernagar Crossroads was fined ₹20,000 for unhygienic conditions and the use of single-use plastic.

The civic body also warned food business operators about fraudsters posing as Food Safety Officers and demanding money in the name of raids or inspections. Traders have been advised not to make any payments and to report suspicious calls or messages to the nearest police station. DeshGujarat