Ahmedabad, June 18 (IANS) Ahmedabad’s food safety authorities inspected more than 1,000 food business establishments in the first half of June, collecting 409 samples and identifying 27 that failed quality and safety standards, including one sample deemed unsafe for consumption, according to data released by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).

The AMC’s Food Department, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, conducted inspections across various wards and zones of the city between June 1 and June 15.

A total of 1,027 food establishments were checked during the fortnight-long drive to monitor hygiene and compliance with food safety regulations.

The department collected 409 samples from a wide range of food products.

These included cold beverages such as juices, lassi, ice cream, sharbat, shikanji and ice gola; sugarcane juice, mango milkshakes and watermelon juice; milk and milk products, including paneer; sweets; bakery products; namkeen; edible oils; spices; cereals and flour products; and other food items.

Laboratory results received during the month indicated that 27 samples were non-compliant. Of these, 26 were classified as substandard, prompting the AMC to initiate proceedings against the concerned food business operators before the adjudicating officer.

One sample, a Kalakhatta sharbat (ice gola) collected from Veer Azad Cold Drinks Fresh Juice near Mahalakshmi Lake in the Vatva area, was declared unsafe for consumption.

Authorities said a case would be filed against the concerned trader in a competent court under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Among the products found to be substandard were mango shake, mango milkshake, Manchurian, processed cheese, paneer, black pepper powder, sweet chutney, ragda, pani puri water, spices and other food items.

During the inspections, the Food Department issued 307 notices and conducted 198 Total Plate Count (TPC) tests.

Officials also destroyed approximately 2,089 kilograms and 665 litres of food products found to be unhygienic or unfit for consumption.

Administrative charges amounting to Rs 5.13 lakh were recovered during the enforcement drive. The department also sealed three food establishments in separate actions.

Munna Chinese and Mughlai in Maktampura was sealed on June 3 for unhygienic conditions and non-compliance with Schedule 4 norms.

The Coffee Stand at Vijay Crossroads in Navrangpura was sealed on June 6 after insects were found in its kitchen and food safety requirements were not being met.

Shree Matangi Dairy and Food Products in the Kathwada-Nikol area was sealed on June 10 for operating without a food safety licence, maintaining unhygienic conditions and violating food safety regulations.

AMC said inspections focusing on hygiene, licensing and registration requirements would continue across the city.

It added that strict action would be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act and the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act against businesses operating without licences or failing to comply with food safety norms.

–IANS

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