Rajkot: The civic body of Rajkot will impose stricter penalties and initiate criminal action against those involved in food adulteration. Violators will face a range of measures from the cancellation of licences to the sealing of establishments and permanent bans on repeat offenders.RMC’s general board meeting passed the resolution, which will now be sent to govt for approval.Mayor Nehal Shukla said though the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, were inadequate to deter food adulteration, adulterated products warranted stricter action.The resolution recommends penalties proportionate to the scale of business and the severity of adulteration. It also recommends permanently barring traders from conducting business if they are found guilty of food adulteration on three occasions.The proposed measures cover milk and dairy products, spices, edible oils, ghee, sweets, snacks, artificial colours, soft drinks, packaged food, and raw materials used in food production.The civic body has also recommended extending investigations beyond retailers to manufacturers, distributors, importers, and storage operators to identify the source of adulterated products.Under the proposal, establishments associated with food adulteration could be sealed for seven to 30 days. RMC has also sought a system to ensure that food sample test reports are issued within 14 days.The resolution calls for stricter regulations governing expiry dates, declarations identifying vegetarian and non-vegetarian products, and the sale of meat. Penalties ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 have been proposed for specified violations.Measures to prevent food poisoningTo reduce food poisoning incidents at community feasts and large gatherings, RMC has proposed allowing only food businesses holding valid licences to provide catering services, with details submitted to police.The proposal also calls for faster disposal of food safety complaints through online and other channels, along with public disclosure of information about those convicted of food adulteration.The board also passed a resolution to implement model by-laws prepared under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, in Rajkot. Under the proposed framework, bulk waste generators, including large establishments and housing societies, will be required to make their own arrangements for the scientific disposal of waste.
