AMC Cracks Down on Food Units Before Uttarayan Festival
Health officials from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation conducted surprise inspections across the city. This action came just one day before the popular Uttarayan festival. The team focused on units that sell and manufacture traditional festival foods like jalebi and undhiyu.
Unhygienic Unit Sealed in Nikol Area
During the drive, inspectors visited a unit named Das Khaman, which operates under Release Foods in the Nikol area. They found the unit operating in extremely unhygienic conditions. The health department immediately sealed the premises to prevent further food preparation. This decisive action highlights the AMC's commitment to public safety during the festive season.
Samples Collected from Multiple Locations
The inspection teams did not stop there. They collected food samples from twenty-two additional units spread across various parts of Ahmedabad. These areas included Gota, Navrangpura, Maninagar, Kalupur, Odhav, and Jodhpur. The primary goal was to verify whether these establishments maintained proper cleanliness standards. Officials also checked if workers followed appropriate hygiene protocols during food preparation.
All collected samples have been sent to a dedicated food laboratory for detailed chemical and microbiological analysis. However, due to the timing, the lab reports will only become available after the Uttarayan celebrations conclude. This delay means consumers must rely on initial inspections for immediate assurance.
On-Site Testing Provides Some Reassurance
To provide quicker feedback, the teams used rapid test kits directly at the inspection sites. These kits allowed for immediate checks on sweet samples, specifically looking for artificial colour adulteration. Fortunately, these preliminary tests did not detect any artificial colours in the sweets tested on the spot. This offers some temporary relief to festival-goers planning to purchase these traditional treats.
The AMC's proactive measures demonstrate a strong focus on preventing foodborne illnesses during major public events. By targeting both manufacturing and sales units, they aim to ensure a safer Uttarayan for all residents of Ahmedabad.
