Two Farsan Units Sealed Ahead of Diwali Over Poor Hygiene and Unsafe Cooking Oil

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has sealed two farsan manufacturing units in Sarkhej and Madhupura ahead of Diwali after inspections found unsafe cooking oil, poor hygiene and violations of food safety regulations.

The action was taken against Saurashtra Bhajiya & Ganthiya near Ujala Circle in Sarkhej and Gayatri Chavana Mart opposite Ganj Bazar in Madhupura.

The inspections were conducted by the AMC Health and Food Department as part of an intensified drive against food adulteration during the festive season. The action follows recent operations in which officials intercepted suspected adulterated mawa and seized a large quantity of counterfeit tomato sauce.

Cooking Oil TPC Level Exceeds Permitted Limit in Sarkhej

During an inspection at Saurashtra Bhajiya & Ganthiya, officials found that the Total Polar Compounds (TPC) level in the oil used for frying farsan had exceeded the permitted limit of 25%.

The establishment had also failed to enter into an agreement with a government-authorised agency for the proper disposal of used cooking oil.

Officials found that the unit was operating without a mandatory FSSAI licence or registration. Workers were also not wearing basic protective gear, including caps, aprons, masks and gloves.

The AMC sealed the premises over these violations.

Madhupura Unit Found Violating Hygiene Norms

At Gayatri Chavana Mart, opposite Ganj Bazar in Madhupura, officials found that the establishment was operating without an FSSAI licence or registration.

Workers were not wearing the prescribed protective gear. The inspection also revealed violations of hygiene and sanitation requirements under Schedule 4 of the FSSAI regulations.

Following the findings, the Food Department sealed the unit.

AMC Issues Warning to Sweet and Farsan Manufacturers

The AMC Health and Food Department has directed sweet shops, farsan manufacturers, packaged food producers and other food businesses to follow food safety and hygiene regulations strictly.

Establishments have been instructed to maintain clean production and storage areas, use quality ingredients and ensure that workers wear caps, aprons, masks and gloves while handling food.

Officials have also directed businesses to comply with packaging and labelling requirements for packaged food products.

Units Using Over 50 Kg of Oil Daily Must Ensure Proper Disposal

The civic body has reiterated that establishments consuming more than 50 kg of edible oil daily must enter into an agreement with an authorised agency for the proper disposal of used cooking oil.

The AMC said inspections would continue across the city at establishments involved in the production, storage and sale of food items during the Diwali festive season.

Businesses found violating the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations could face penalties, including fines and sealing of their premises.