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Ketchup Without Tomatoes? Ahmedabad Labs Find Unsafe Substitutes
27 Oct
Summary
- Two ketchup substitute samples declared unsafe due to synthetic colors.
- Units in Behrampura and Gota found manufacturing without using tomatoes.
- Over 2,000kg of unsafe substitutes seized from Ahmedabad units.
Ahmedabad's public health laboratory has identified two tomato ketchup substitute products as unsafe following laboratory tests. Samples collected from manufacturing units in Behrampura and Gota were found to contain prohibited synthetic colors, including Sunset Yellow, Ponceau 4R, Tartrazine Yellow, and Carmoisine, along with starch. Officials confirmed that these products pose a risk to public health, and manufacturers will face police cases under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Seized stock from these units is slated for destruction.
The raids, conducted on October 15 and October 17, targeted units allegedly producing and selling ketchup substitutes without actual tomatoes. At the Behrampura unit, approximately 2,000kg of 'Snack Touchup', tomato powder, and raw materials were seized. In Gota, samples of 'Snack Touchup' and tomato paste were declared substandard and unsafe due to starch, acidity, and other quality parameter failures.
In preparation for the Diwali festival, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has escalated inspections of sweet and farsan units. This intensified drive has led to the collection and testing of 29 samples from 12 different units. Additionally, a namkeen unit in Naroda was sealed for improper used cooking oil disposal practices, highlighting ongoing food safety concerns.
