AMC Seals 6 Eateries Over Severe Hygiene Breaches, Orders Live Kitchen Cameras Across 11,000 Food Hubs

In a massive crackdown on unsafe food preparation practices, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) Food Department has sealed six commercial eateries across the city after discovering severe hygiene violations, including insect-infested food, unlicensed operations, and adulterated products.

Simultaneously, civic authorities issued digital directives to 11,123 food business operators in Ahmedabad, mandating the installation of live CCTV cameras covering their kitchen areas. Under the new directive, establishments must display the live feed at receptions or dining spaces, giving patrons direct visibility into how their food is handled.

Insects in Hostels and Live Pests in Flour Stores

The civic body’s enforcement drive targeted educational canteens, restaurants, and manufacturing units following widespread reports of non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Inspectors shuttered the canteen operated by R.K.R. Caterers at the Mahatma Gandhi Physiotherapy College Hostel in Saijpur Bogha after finding it functioning without a valid FSSAI licence. Health teams discovered ants and mealworms inside prepared dishes alongside absent pest-control records and missing health certificates for staff.

In Kankaria-Maninagar, officials locked down Mad Over Grills after uncovering live pests crawling through flour barrels stored in the pantry.

Public health enforcement teams also penalised establishments selling non-compliant dairy products. Santosh Ghee Bhandar in Madhupura was sealed after laboratory tests on its 'Agmark Desi Ghee' revealed traces of beta-sitosterol—a plant-derived compound indicating vegetable fat adulteration. Similarly, Rajesh Dudh Ghar in Kubernagar and Bhairavnath Restaurant on Rakhial Road were shut down after samples of cheese failed regulatory purity standards.

Further south, inspectors clamped down on Sabru Chinese Mughlai & Tawa Fry along Makarba Road in Sarkhej, citing filthy kitchen conditions, lack of worker protective gear, and schedule 4 safety breaches. Samrat Bakery in Behrampura was also sealed for operating without registration and ignoring basic packaging rules.

Mandatory Kitchen Surveillance and School Campus Inspections

To enforce long-term compliance, the AMC sent email notices requiring eateries to make their food preparation visible to the public via live monitors. Establishments must adhere strictly to Schedule 4 sanitary norms, which dictate proper waste disposal, pest control, personal sanitation, and correct oil management.

Civic officials warned that default on these requirements could lead to immediate cancellation of food licences and physical sealing of facilities.

The inspection drive has expanded into prominent educational institutions, with health teams evaluating canteens at Satva School, SGVP School, Som Lalit School, Vedanta International School, Narayan Business School, DAV International School, Anand Niketan School, and the L J Campus. AMC officials confirmed that random spot checks will continue at hospital, hostel, and campus canteens across the city over the coming days.