No Tomatoes in Ketchup-Like Sauce: AMC Seals Manufacturing Unit, Seizes 2,000 Kg Stock

Ahmedabad: The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) Food Safety Department has sealed a food manufacturing unit on Pirana Road for allegedly manufacturing and selling a ketchup-like product without using tomatoes. Officials seized approximately 2,000 kg of finished products and raw materials and collected a sample for laboratory testing.

The unit, operating under the name M J F FOOD, manufactured and sold a product branded as “Tasty Snack Touch Up”. According to the AMC, an inspection revealed that the product was made using potato flakes, corn flour, sugar, salt, food colouring, acetic acid, preservatives and stabilisers, with no tomatoes used in the manufacturing process.

Officials said the product resembled tomato ketchup in appearance and texture, potentially misleading consumers. A 5-kg pack was being sold for Rs 100.

Discrepancies in registration details

During the inspection, officials found that the unit displayed FSSAI registration number 2072605400039. However, discrepancies were observed between the registration details and the business entity operating at the premises. The department has initiated further verification.

The product label listed water, vegetable pulp (10%), stabilising agents (INS-1422 and INS-415), iodised salt, an acidity regulator (INS-260), red chilli powder and various spices and condiments.

Officials sought purchase invoices to verify the ingredients used and their procurement, but the unit failed to produce the requested documents during the inspection.

Stock seized, legal action to follow

The AMC sealed the unit and seized approximately 2,000 kg of stock, including finished products, potato powder and other raw materials. The sale and distribution of the seized stock have been stopped.

The department said further legal action would be taken based on laboratory test results and the findings of the investigation.

The AMC also reiterated that food business operators must hold valid FSSAI licences or registrations, display the relevant details at their premises, maintain purchase invoices and other required records, and ensure that product labels provide accurate information.

Ramsons ghee stock released after lab clearance

In a separate action, the AMC Food Safety Department released a stock of desi ghee sold under the Ramsons brand after laboratory testing found the sample to be compliant with prescribed standards.

The sample had been collected from Adarsh Trading Company at 115, Ganj Bazar, Hathibhai ni Vadi, outside Delhi Darwaja, on Shahibaug Road in Madhupura, Ahmedabad.

Following the laboratory report, the stock, which had been placed on hold, was released, the department said. DeshGujarat