The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has sealed two food establishments in the city for violating food safety and hygiene norms during inspections conducted ahead of Diwali. The action followed the detection of excessive Total Polar Compounds (TPC) in frying oil at one of the outlets, along with multiple other violations.
The AMC’s Health and Food Department sealed Gayatri Chavana Mart, located opposite Ganj Bazar in Madhupura, and Saurashtra Bhajiya & Ganthiya at Gopal Complex near Ujala Circle in Sarkhej. The inspections were carried out as part of the civic body’s efforts to monitor food safety during the festive season, when demand for sweets and farsan typically rises.
At Saurashtra Bhajiya & Ganthiya, officials found that the TPC levels in the frying oil exceeded the permissible limit of 25%. The outlet was also operating without a mandatory Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence or registration. Officials further found that it had not entered into an agreement with an authorised agency for the disposal of used cooking oil.
The inspection also revealed hygiene violations, with workers found handling food without essential protective equipment such as caps, aprons, masks and gloves.
At Gayatri Chavana Mart, officials found that the establishment was operating without an FSSAI licence or registration. The outlet was also found not complying with the hygiene and sanitation requirements prescribed under Schedule 4 of FSSAI regulations.
The AMC said inspections of food manufacturing, storage and sales establishments would continue throughout the Diwali season. It added that strict action, including penalties and sealing of premises, would be taken against businesses found violating food safety regulations.