Rajkot: The Magistrate of the Municipal Court in the city has fined three local food businesses a total of ₹3.5 lakh in separate cases of food adulteration, based on samples collected in 2014, 2016, and 2017. The court warned that each accused will face one month of imprisonment if the fines are not paid.

In the first case, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) had collected a sample of “Banana Wafer (Spiced) (Loose)” from Muskaan Wafers, located at Vishwas Industrial Estate, on September 18, 2017. Laboratory analysis revealed the presence of non-permitted pink and orange oil-soluble synthetic dyes. The food sample was declared unsafe. The court convicted Anishbhai Majidbhai Chamdiya, the food business operator, imposing a fine of ₹1.5 lakh. He was also sentenced to imprisonment till the rising of the court.

In the second case, a sample of “Cow Ghee (Loose)” was taken from Jai Dwarkadhish Nasta Gruh on June 21, 2014. Tests showed deviations in BR reading and RM value, along with the presence of a non-permitted yellow oil-soluble dye. Business owner Vijaybhai Masribhai Jogal was fined ₹1 lakh under Section 59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The third case involved a sample of “Saccharin (Loose)” collected on February 20, 2016, from Riddhi Siddhi Trading Company. It was found to contain Dulcin, a banned artificial sweetener. Business owner Mahesh Pamandas Chandiramani was also fined ₹1 lakh.

In each case, the court ruled that failure to pay the fine will result in an additional one-month jail term. DeshGujarat