40,500 kg suspicious mawa seized in Ahmedabad before Diwali

Keeping the Diwali festival in view, the Health Department of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) conducted an inspection at a cold storage in Gomtipur, located in the eastern part of the city. During this inspection, a stock of approximately 40,500 kg of suspicious mawa was found, which is reported to have an estimated value of ₹60.8 lakh. This stock includes 1,380 bags.

According to reports by TV9 Gujarati and The Times of India, the mawa of various sweet merchants from Ahmedabad was being stored in this cold storage. During the investigation, it was revealed that the mawa packets lacked essential details such as production date, expiry date, and usage-related information like batch number. As per the rules applicable to packaged food items, displaying these details is mandatory, but their absence makes it difficult to determine when the mawa was prepared and for how long it can be used.

According to officials, the mawa of approximately 50 merchants and companies was stored in this cold storage. It has been estimated that the total stock of mawa at the site is more than 1 lakh kg. The Health Department is currently focusing specifically on inspecting the stocks of the main 10 to 15 merchants or companies.

During the investigation, details of other products used for making sweets were also revealed in addition to the mawa. Officials stated that some sweets are made from mixtures like barfi instead of mawa. Such mixtures may use ingredients like milk powder, palm oil, and sugar. As per the rules, such products made from approved ingredients can be used to make sweets, but it is necessary for consumers to receive proper information regarding the true identity of the product and its ingredients.

The Health Department has taken samples of the suspicious mawa and sent them for quality and food safety testing. The results of these samples are likely to be received in approximately three to four days. This will provide clarity regarding the quality of the mawa and whether there is any adulteration in it. Following the arrival of the investigation results, further action will be taken against the concerned merchants as per the rules.