Surat (Gujarat): With the arrival of summer, the city has seen a surge in stalls selling icy treats like flavored ice balls. However, these cool delights have come under scrutiny by the Surat Health Department. Fearing the use of substandard ingredients, the Municipal Corporation team has investigated 16 vendors across the city.
Samples of dry fruits, colors, creams, and other additives used in the ice balls were collected during the raid. The investigation stems from suspicion that some vendors might be using non-edible or low-quality ingredients. All the samples have been sent to a public health laboratory for testing. The reports are expected to arrive within two days.
The Health Officer stated that they had been receiving complaints about the quality of ingredients used for some time now. This investigation is a direct response to those concerns. The primary focus is on the amount of saccharin, an artificial sweetener, present in the colors used for the ice balls. Depending on the test results, the department will take appropriate action, which could include fines or even the sealing of shops.
