FoodSafety – Rajkot Civic Drive Uncovers Hygiene Violations at Multiple Food Units
FoodSafety – Rajkot Municipal Corporation has intensified inspections across food businesses, taking action against several establishments for alleged violations related to hygiene, storage, licensing, and food safety standards.
The Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) launched an extensive food safety inspection campaign across the city, resulting in the sealing of three food-related establishments, the destruction of over 1,000 kilograms of food considered unfit for consumption, and the collection of 10 food samples for laboratory examination. Officials from the civic body’s Health Department said the operation was aimed at preventing food adulteration and ensuring hygienic practices at commercial food outlets.
Large-Scale Inspection Across the City
During the enforcement drive, food safety teams inspected 75 restaurants, food processing units, and other food businesses operating in different parts of Rajkot. Authorities reported that nearly 1,020 kilograms of stale or inedible food items were disposed of during the inspections. In addition, notices were issued to 12 establishments for violations linked to cleanliness, licensing requirements, and improper storage practices. The municipal corporation also recovered administrative penalties amounting to Rs 34,500.
Food Processing Unit Sealed Near Vavdi
One of the establishments sealed was Kesar Food Products, located in the industrial area near Vavdi village. Inspectors found that flour intended for food preparation had been stored in sacks marked as “animal feed.” They also observed prepared farsan being kept directly on the floor under unhygienic conditions. As part of the action, around 1,020 kilograms of flour and sweet shakkarpara were destroyed. The business received a notice, was fined Rs 5,000, and officials collected samples of loose sweet shakkarpara and sugar powder for further analysis.
Irregularities Found at Gondal Road Manufacturing Unit
Another business, Shah Food Processing Private Limited on Gondal Road, was sealed after inspectors identified multiple regulatory shortcomings. According to officials, the unit was operating without the required technical staff and had failed to maintain batch-wise production records.
Authorities also found premix essences that lacked mandatory labeling under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. In addition, tea and coffee premixes, food additives, preservatives, soft drink concentrates, and soda masala were among the products inspected. Approximately 5,972 kilograms of food products and nearly 2,000 litres of flavoured essences without manufacturing or expiry details were seized. The company received a notice for poor storage conditions, was fined Rs 10,000, and samples of loose mango powder and sweetener were collected.
Spice Trading Firm Faces Action
The third establishment sealed during the operation was Shrinathji Trading, also situated on Gondal Road. Officials said the business had not maintained mandatory batch-wise production records. They also found nearly 5,600 kilograms of suspected stock of chilli powder, turmeric powder, and coriander-cumin powder packed without the labeling required under food safety regulations.
The firm was served a notice over unhygienic storage conditions and fined Rs 10,000. Samples of all three spice products were collected for laboratory testing to verify compliance with food safety standards.
Additional Penalties and Sample Collection
Apart from the three sealed units, the civic body imposed administrative charges ranging between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 on several other food businesses for licence-related violations and nuisance. Food safety officials also collected additional samples of loose mawa, malai, and buffalo milk from dairy outlets as part of the ongoing surveillance exercise.
Inspection Drive Covered Key Commercial Areas
According to the municipal corporation, the inspection campaign was conducted across several busy commercial locations, including University Road, the 150-Feet Ring Road, and the Shraddha Park area. Officials stated that such surveillance drives are intended to strengthen food safety compliance, improve hygiene standards, and safeguard consumers by ensuring that food businesses follow applicable regulations.