Home / Health / Gujarat Crackdown: Food Safety Drive Hits 200 Institutions
Gujarat Crackdown: Food Safety Drive Hits 200 Institutions
14 Sep
Summary
- Over 200 educational institutions were inspected for food quality.
- 61 institutions received notices for facility improvement.
- 114 food samples were collected during the hygiene drive.
Following a suspected food poisoning incident affecting 85 students, Gujarat's Health Minister Praful Pansheriya ordered a comprehensive inspection of all educational hostels. On Monday, September 14, 2026, food safety officials inspected canteens and hostels at 200 government and private institutions across the state.
The intensive drive, which began early morning and continued into the evening, aimed to verify compliance with the state health department's prescribed Standard Operating Procedures. Officials issued notices to 61 institutions requiring facility improvements, suspended one license, and collected 114 food samples for testing. Significantly, 10 establishments voluntarily ceased operations due to severe unhygienic conditions identified during the inspections.
Minister Pansheriya stated that this drive, unprecedented in Gujarat's history, will continue for seven days, covering all villages and talukas. He emphasized the social responsibility to ensure adherence to hygiene regulations and warned of strict legal action against violators, authorizing police assistance if institutions do not cooperate.
