Maharashtra FDA Suspends 68 Licences in Festive Food Safety Drive

The Food and Drug Administration of Maharashtra has intensified enforcement across the state ahead of the Navratri and Diwali season. The festive operation resulted in the seizure of adulterated, expired and prohibited goods worth approximately Rs 12.74 crore, and the suspension of 68 licences for regulatory violations.

The drive was carried out under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe's guidance across seven divisions, namely Mumbai, Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur and Amravati.

Investigators uncovered a particularly troubling practice in Thane and Pune districts, where food stock marked for destruction after expiry was being resold in the market. A total of 8,392 kilograms, valued at Rs 48.09 lakh, was seized. The companies involved were unable to furnish complete records of disposal. Five licences were suspended and criminal complaints were lodged.

In a single day, authorities acted against two cold storage facilities in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division. Stock weighing 1,97,480 kilograms and valued at Rs 4.19 crore was impounded. The items included chilli powder, raisins, jaggery and butter. The licences of both units have been suspended.

The statewide total stands at 3,74,762 kilograms and 28,297 litres of substandard, adulterated and mislabelled stock worth Rs 9.11 crore. Edible oil, spices, dairy products, sweets, farsan, tea and dry fruits were among the seized goods.

Enforcement against gutkha, pan masala and flavoured tobacco led to the seizure of goods, including vehicles, valued at Rs 3.15 crore. Twenty-two FIRs were registered and 20 accused were arrested.

An Eicher truck intercepted in Manor, Palghar, was found carrying stock worth Rs 1.51 crore, and eight people face an FIR. Jalna saw seizures worth Rs 83.35 lakh, while four Mumbai cases accounted for Rs 24.61 lakh. A MCOCA probe has been requested in the Malad matter.

Inspections also exposed hygiene and compliance failures, such as filth in kitchens and drains, the presence of cockroaches and rats, mixed storage of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, and use of unpermitted food colours. As a consequence, 68 licences were suspended, seven establishments were ordered shut, and Rs 1.30 lakh in fines was collected from four establishments.

Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe stated, "No compromise will be made on food safety. Putting food marked for destruction back into circulation is an extremely serious issue. Inspections will continue throughout the festive period."

The public can report concerns through the toll-free number 1800 22 2365 or via the official FDA website.