The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) health department conducted extensive inspections between May 1 and May 18, collecting 184 samples of panipuri from various stalls and carts across the city. Laboratory tests revealed that 34 samples contained prohibited food-grade colours, prompting immediate seizure of the offending stalls and carts. An AMC official confirmed that the banned colours pose significant health risks to consumers.
Incident at Ranip Bus Terminus
On the night of May 15, a young woman consumed panipuri purchased from a cart in front of the Ranip bus terminus and discovered a bone in the snack. Following her complaint, the corporation fined the cart owner Rs 10,000 and seized the cart.
Comprehensive Inspections and Enforcement
During the 18-day period, the corporation inspected 865 food units across different areas of Ahmedabad. Notices were issued to 522 units for various violations, including unhygienic conditions. The health department destroyed 905 kilograms of inedible food and 1,028 litres of inedible liquids. Samples from 572 food units were collected and sent to the public health laboratory for analysis.
Additionally, the department seized 2,500 kg of suspected adulterated turmeric, 1,400 kg of cashews, 99 kg of spoiled milk solids, and 219 kg of paneer or medium-fried paneer or cream. Seven units were sealed for violating hygiene and related regulations.
Unsafe Food Samples
Out of the samples collected, 22 were declared non-compliant, with seven found unsafe for consumption. Specific unsafe samples include:
- Oil from Shefayr Food India Limited in Nikol
- Cow ghee (two samples) from Murlidhar Food Products in Nikol
- Turmeric from Avinash Masala godown in Madhupura
- Mango milkshake from Murlidhar Ice Cream parlour in Shahibaug
- Chilli powder from Jaymataji Traders near Delhi Darwaza
- Ghee from Girdhar Dairy in Khokhra
The AMC has emphasized its commitment to ensuring food safety and will continue strict monitoring to prevent health hazards.
