Four of 21 panipuri samples found to be substandard: Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation

After a food sampling session, the civic authority declared four of 21 samples substandard. After banning the sale of panipuri in Vadodara, the health officials of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation collected panipuri samples randomly across the city.

Two samples of mithi chutney, the watery mix served with panipuris, and ragda were found to be substandard, declared a report complied by the health department. Mithi chutney of Mahalakshmi Panipuri and an unnamed stall located at Lal Darwaja, ragda of Mita Panipuri in Odhav, and the water of an unnamed stall near Apna Bazar were found to be substandard.

Dr Bhavin Solanki, in-charge, medical officer of health, said, "Taking cognizance of health hazards, we are taking food samples and sending them for laboratory testing. We want to ensure that people eat safe and hygienic food, as per the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India."

What does substandard mean?

According to food inspector Rakesh Gamit, the department collects random samples of food items around the year to check for adulteration. "There are food safety norms defined under section 3 (a) of Food Safety & Standard Act, 2006. As per that, a food can be safe, unsafe, substandard, or misbranded," said Gamit.

The samples are categorised as follows:

Unsafe – Food sample that contains non-permitted ingredients, addictive colours and flavours. If insects are found in any sample that is also considered unsafe.

Substandard – Food sample that does not meet standards as laid down by the regulation, but which may not really be unsafe. For example, milk should contain a certain amount of fat; if the sample doesn't have the required amount of fat, it is declared as substandard.

Misbranded – Food sample making false claims on its package labels or for advertisements. If dates are not mentioned or address is not mentioned on a packet, that is also called misbranded.

EATERIES INSPECTED

AMC collected Rs 66,000 in fines from 8 units for not maintaining sanitation standards. Nini’s Kitchen, HK Foods, Shri Marutinandan, Singaporian Hotel, Dakshinayan, Barbecue Nation, and We Deshi were inspected by the health squad.