Gujarat Health Department is investigating the role of about seven companies which could be involved in the recycling of the biomedical waste, health department officials said on Sunday.

"We are investigating companies who could be involved in recycling of biomedical waste across the country. There are some seven companies whose names have cropped up during investigation," Commissioner, Health, Amarjeet Singh said here on Sunday.

"Couple of companies are based in Gujarat while some are from other states. The matter is under investigation," he said.

However, Singh refused to divulge more information as the matter was under investigation.

Sources said that an investigating team is likely to be sent to the states concerned from where the suspected companies are operating.

Following the hepatitis outbreak in the Sabarakantha district, which has till date claimed 56 lives, the Guajrat government has started crack down operation on those who are violating norms of safe medical practice and disposal of biomedical waste.