Dussehra Over, Sweets Eaten—Ahmedabad Finally Orders Rapid Food Test Kits
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
In a classic case of locking the stable door after the horse has bolted, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) food department has directed roadside food stall owners to procure rapid testing kits—long after the massive Dussehra fafda-jalebi sales concluded.
The directive was issued during the standing committee meeting on Thursday, raising questions about its practical execution as no penalties or enforcement mechanisms were outlined for non-compliance.
Delayed Action Following Festive Rush
During Dussehra, temporary food stalls popped up across footpaths and roadside tents in Ahmedabad to cater to the immense surge in demand for traditional fafda and jalebi. The food department collected approximately 250 samples during the festive period. However, under the existing system, obtaining laboratory test results takes nearly 15 days, by which time most temporary vendors dismantle their stalls and leave.
Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel addressed the challenge of taking punitive measures against short-term vendors who vanish before sample reports arrive.
"Roadside stalls set up during festivals usually pack up within seven to eight days, whilst our lab results take 15 days," Patel stated. "To address the difficulty in holding anyone accountable, we have instructed stall owners to keep rapid testing kits. This will allow consumers to test food quality on the spot before deciding to purchase."
Upgrade of Decades-Old Equipment Planned
The standing committee also highlighted the issue of outdated testing machinery currently in use, which severely delays safety reports. Instructions have been issued to the food department to purchase modern machinery capable of delivering test results within seven days instead of the usual fortnight.
Alongside equipment upgrades, the civic body is considering hiring additional staff for the food department to expedite inspections and sampling procedures.
Despite these announcements, ambiguity remains over when the procurement of new machinery and rapid testing kits will be finalised, and whether these measures will effectively streamline food safety compliance ahead of future festive seasons.
