Gujarat Food Unit Sealed Over Sauce-Like Food Product; 2,000 kg of Stock Prohibited

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has sealed a food manufacturing unit in Behrampura, Gujarat, for producing a ketchup-like sauce without using tomatoes at any stage of the manufacturing process. Authorities have also prohibited around 2,000 kg of finished products and raw materials after an inspection revealed discrepancies in ingredients, labelling and registration documents.

The unit, operated by M J F FOOD, manufactured a product sold under the name ‘Tasty Snack Touch Up’. According to an IANS report published on October 15, the product was reportedly being sold in 5 kg packs for INR 100. Old Monk Ban: Why Is Maharashtra Losing Over INR 300 Crore in Excise Revenue Amid Factory Shutdown?.

Potato Flakes, Corn Flour Used in Ketchup-Like Sauce

According to the AMC Food Safety Department, the sauce-like product was prepared using potato flakes, corn flour, sugar, salt, food colour, acetic acid, preservatives and stabilisers. Officials said no tomatoes were used during the manufacturing process, although the finished product resembled tomato ketchup in appearance and texture.

The department is examining the product’s presentation and labelling over concerns that consumers could mistake it for a tomato-based sauce. The product label listed water, 10% vegetable pulp, stabilising agents, iodised salt, an acidity regulator, red chilli powder, spices and condiments. However, the unit failed to produce the requested purchase bills to help officials verify the ingredients declared on the label and their actual use in manufacturing.

FSSAI Registration Discrepancies Found

During the inspection, officials also found discrepancies relating to the unit’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) registration details. The registration number displayed at the premises was 2072605400039. The department said differences between the displayed registration information and the details associated with the business required further verification. FSSAI Orders Intensified Checks and On-Spot Testing To Curb Food Adulteration During Navratri and Diwali.

Food business operators are required to maintain valid licences or registrations, display the relevant details correctly, keep purchase invoices and other necessary records, and provide accurate product information on labels.

2,000 Kg Stock Prohibited, Lab Test Results Awaited

Following the inspection, the AMC sealed the manufacturing unit and prohibited approximately 2,000 kg of stock, including finished products, potato powder and other raw materials. The action stopped the sale and distribution of the affected stock.

Officials also collected a sample of the sauce for laboratory testing. The test results are expected to help determine the further course of action. The Food Safety Department said further legal action would be taken based on the laboratory analysis and the findings of the subsequent investigation. The final findings on the product’s compliance with applicable food safety standards had not been established in the report.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 15, 2026 11:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).