Gujarat food factory sealed over adulteration in tomato ketchup production

Food safety officials in Gujarat sealed a factory following detection of potato paste and prohibited colour additives during production of tomato ketchup, marking another instance of adulteration in the state's food processing industry.

The enforcement action came after regulatory inspections revealed that the manufacturer was incorporating potato paste as a filler ingredient in ketchup products intended for retail distribution. Additionally, the use of unauthorized colouring agents in the formulation violated established food safety standards and labelling requirements.

The sealed facility has been taken into preventive custody pending further investigation. Authorities are examining the extent of contaminated stock produced and its distribution across retail channels. The case has been registered under relevant provisions of food safety legislation.

This incident adds to a series of adulteration cases reported across Gujarat's food manufacturing sector in recent months. Regulatory bodies have intensified inspections at processing units to ensure compliance with food safety norms and prevent substandard products from reaching consumers.