FDA suspends 68 licences, shuts 7 units in pre-Diwali food safety drive across Maharashtra

Inspections of food and drink establishments in Maharashtra ahead of Diwali have turned up serious violations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized goods worth Rs 12.74 crore in a campaign run during Navratri. Despite repeated awareness programmes for food business operators, inspectors found rats and cockroaches in kitchens, food kept in filthy conditions and expired stock that was possibly headed back to the market.

The FDA inspected hotels, shops and units in all seven divisions of Maharashtra. Licences of 68 units were then suspended and seven units were ordered shut.

Officials found a range of lapses. Kitchens and drains were dirty, cockroaches and rats were swarming, vegetarian and non-vegetarian food was stored together, food colours were being used without permission, and staff handling food had no medical certificates.

In the campaign, 3,74,762 kg and 28,297 litres of food material, valued at Rs 9.11 crore, were seized or destroyed. In addition, 8,392 kg of expired, spoilt or rejected food worth Rs 48.09 lakh was caught in Thane and Pune districts. There is suspicion that material meant to be destroyed was being sent back to the market.

In a separate action, stock worth Rs 4.19 crore was seized from two cold storages in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division. The stock weighed 1,97,480 kg and included red chilli powder, raisins, jaggery and pasteurised butter. The licences of both cold storages have been suspended.

Santosh Kamble, FDA Joint Commissioner (Food), said the department has been holding seminars to explain food safety to food businesses and to stop the use of substandard ingredients. Even so, the latest inspections show that violation of rules as demand rises during festivals remains a concern.

The FDA also acted against banned gutkha, pan masala and flavoured tobacco. Goods and vehicles worth about Rs 3.15 crore were seized, 22 FIRs were registered and 20 accused were arrested.

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe warned those in the food trade. He said, "Food that is meant to be destroyed must never reach a customer's plate. The law will act with full severity against those who play with people's health."

The FDA said inspections of cold storages, warehouses, manufacturing units and food outlets will continue through the festival season. Members of the public can report suspected food safety violations on the FDA's toll-free number 1800 22 2365 or on the online complaints portal complaints.mahafda.in.