Pune FDA suspends 28 methanol licences, cancels 15 after checking all 102 holders

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspected all 102 licensed methanol-related companies in the Pune division. Following the inspection, 28 licences have been suspended and 15 have been cancelled. This is part of an enforcement drive under way across the state.

The inspection began after the hooch tragedy in Pune. Officials checked whether the rules on the storage, handling and sale of methanol, and on documentation, were being followed. The Pune division has the largest number of methanol-related businesses in Maharashtra, so special attention was given to it.

Although action was taken against many licence holders, the FDA said the inspection did not turn up a single case of illegal sale of methanol. The administration said no such sale was found during the drive.

Officials said the licences were suspended for technical lapses and shortcomings in documentation. They also made clear that the action was not taken because illegal sales were caught. These lapses included records not being properly maintained and problems related to the appointment of computer staff.

The department said the rules on the purchase, sale, storage and handling of methanol already exist. The current drive is not meant to bring in new rules. Its aim is to ensure that companies follow these rules. The administration has thus stressed enforcing the existing rules.

The hooch tragedy had raised concern about compliance and enforcement. The inspection is being carried out as part of a wider effort to tighten oversight of businesses dealing in the chemical.

FDA officials said inspection and verification in the division will continue. Companies that violate the applicable rules may face further action depending on the nature of the violation.

Overall, of the 102 licensed companies in the Pune division, 28 had their licences suspended and 15 had them cancelled. Officials say the action was due to technical and documentation-related lapses, not illegal sales.