Fake Silver Foil Used on Biscuits: AMC Seals Kalupur Unit, Seizes 170 Packets

Ahmedabad: The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) Health and Food Department has sealed H.M. Varkhwala in Kalupur after detecting the sale of counterfeit silver-coloured metallic foil used on food products. The department seized 170 packets of the fake foil worth ₹42,500 and collected samples of both counterfeit and genuine gold foil for laboratory analysis.

The action followed an inspection of biscuits covered with metallic foil at a street stall in the Memco area, where a rapid test revealed that the foil was counterfeit. Further investigation traced the supply to an establishment in Kalupur.

Acting on the findings, the department deployed a dummy customer to purchase the foil from the establishment. A rapid test subsequently confirmed that the silver-coloured foil was counterfeit. During an inspection, officials found 170 packets of the foil, each containing 10 sheets and sold for ₹250 per packet, or ₹25 per sheet. The entire stock, valued at ₹42,500, was seized.

The establishment was also found selling genuine gold foil at ₹1,000 per packet, with each packet containing 10 sheets priced at ₹100 per sheet. Samples of both types of foil have been collected and sent for further analysis.

The department also directed the food business operator to provide details of the locations where the foil had been sold, along with purchase and sales invoices. However, the operator failed to furnish the required information and documents.

The investigation is underway to ascertain the extent of the sales and initiate further legal proceedings. The department said it would continue inspections and take strict action, including fines and sealing of premises, against establishments violating provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. DeshGujarat