AMC Seals Four Food Units Ahead of Diwali Over Safety Violations

Ahmedabad: The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has sealed four food production units in the city for violating food safety and hygiene regulations during inspections ahead of the Diwali festival.

The action was taken by the AMC’s Health and Food Department as part of an intensified inspection drive to ensure the quality and safety of sweets, snacks and other food products during the festive season.

The four establishments sealed are Swastik Foods and Shyam Sundar Food Products, both located in Maheshwari Industrial Estate on Dudheshwar Road, and two units operated by Prakashkumar Kanaiyalal and Amratlal Kuberdas Namkinwala near the old Pratap Cinema on Gandhi Road.

During inspections, officials found multiple violations, including poor hygiene and sanitary conditions, non-compliance with food safety standards and the absence of agreements with government-recognised agencies for the proper disposal of used cooking oil (UCO).

At Swastik Foods, officials also found unsatisfactory flooring, tiles and whitewashing, while workers were not wearing mandatory protective gear such as caps, aprons, masks and gloves.

Shyam Sundar Food Products was found violating food packaging and labelling regulations, besides failing to maintain the prescribed hygiene standards during food production and storage.

The two establishments near the old Pratap Cinema were also sealed after officials found inadequate hygiene and sanitation arrangements and no agreement for the proper disposal of used cooking oil.

The AMC said food establishments using more than 50 kg of cooking oil daily for frying are required to enter into agreements with government-recognised agencies for the collection and disposal of used cooking oil. Such oil must not be reused in an unauthorised manner.

The civic body warned that establishments found violating these requirements during inspections could face strict action, including fines and sealing of their premises. DeshGujarat