Gujarat Launches Food Safety Crackdown Ahead of Navratri

GANDHINAGAR: Gujarat is stepping up its food safety crackdown ahead of Navratri, with Health Minister of State Praful Pansheriya warning that sellers of adulterated and substandard food will face strict legal action as mobile testing vans remain operational across the state.

At a review meeting in Gandhinagar with Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) officials, Pansheriya directed authorities to ensure the availability of hygienic, unadulterated food during and after the festive season.

Mobile food testing vans will inspect sweets, farsan, milk, ghee and other commonly consumed products, enabling officials to test food quality on the spot.

“Every citizen has the right to pure and nutritious food,” Pansheriya said, urging consumers to check hygiene standards in hotel and restaurant kitchens and report violations to the FDCA.

The warning follows a statewide inspection drive conducted from September 14 to 28, 2026, covering hostels and canteens across Gujarat.

According to official figures, authorities inspected 1,407 establishments, including 259 government-run, 303 semi-government and 845 private facilities. Improvement notices were issued to 328 establishments, while food samples were collected from 459 establishments and sent to laboratories for testing.

The drive also resulted in 16 establishments voluntarily shutting down and the suspension of licences of five establishments.

Pansheriya praised municipal corporation teams in Surat, Ahmedabad and Vadodara for their efforts to enforce food safety standards.

He stressed that inspections must continue throughout the year rather than remain confined to festive periods, underscoring the need for sustained monitoring to protect public health.

The state government has reiterated that food businesses must maintain hygiene and comply with safety regulations, particularly during Navratri, when demand for festive snacks and dairy products rises.