AMC Cracks Down On Food Safety: 4 Outlets Sealed In Ahmedabad Over Banned Synthetic Paneer, Rancid Oil And Excess Colours

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has launched an aggressive food safety drive across the city, sealing four commercial eateries and dairies in Khokhra, Naranpura, Jagatpur, and Naroda. The sudden raids uncovered widespread use of banned synthetic "analog" paneer, heavily degraded cooking oil, and unpermitted levels of artificial food dyes.

Following the state Food and Drugs Control Administration's (FDCA) blanket ban on analog paneer on 5 August, AMC health officials escalated citywide inspections to pull compromised dairy products and hazardous cooking ingredients off commercial shelves.

Rancid Oil And Excess Chemicals Found On Site

During field operations, AMC food safety inspectors conducted on-the-spot Total Polar Compounds (TPC) tests to evaluate the thermal degradation of cooking oil. At Mumbaiya Misal Vadapav in Jagatpur, the TPC level in cooking oil hit an alarming 31.5 per cent—well above the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) permissible limit of 25 per cent. Officials seized the degraded oil and shut down the eatery immediately.

In Naroda, inspectors raided Om Shakti The Restaurant and discovered curry gravies laden with artificial food colours far exceeding mandated thresholds. According to FSSAI guidelines, unapproved or excess artificial dyes pose severe health hazards, including allergic reactions, skin conditions, pediatric hyperactivity, and long-term damage to the liver and kidneys.

Simultaneously, two dairy outlets—Khodiyar Dairy Farm in Khokhra and Shri Kailash Dugdhalaya in Naranpura—were caught stocking and using banned analog paneer, leading to instant closure orders.

Seven-Day Lockouts, Fines And Legal Guarantees

Addressing the drive, In-charge Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Dr Tejas Shah confirmed that food samples collected from all four premises have been sent for comprehensive laboratory testing.

All four establishments have been sealed for a minimum of seven days. Reopening will only be considered after the expiry of the lockdown period, subject to approval from the Deputy Municipal Commissioner, payment of steep financial penalties, and the submission of legally binding affidavits guaranteeing strict compliance with food safety norms in the future. Legal proceedings will commence against the owners once formal laboratory reports arrive.