The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is planning to introduce rapid testing kits to check food quality on the spot as temporary stalls selling sweets and savouries increase across the city ahead of Diwali.
Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel said laboratory tests of food samples currently take six to seven days to produce results. By then, many temporary stalls have already shut down, making it difficult for civic officials to take timely action.
The proposed rapid testing kits will allow officials to conduct preliminary checks on the colours and oils used in food products directly at the stalls, helping them identify potential food safety concerns more quickly.
The AMC has also instructed its health department to procure advanced testing equipment to speed up laboratory results. The department has been asked to recruit additional staff if required.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over food safety during the festive season, when demand for sweets and savouries rises sharply. The move aims to strengthen inspections and help ensure safer food for consumers during Diwali.