Beed FDA seizes gutkha at two spots, suspends licence of tea and snack centre over hygiene lapses

The Food and Drug Administration has taken action in Beed against sellers of banned food products and those flouting hygiene and safety rules. The administration found that these rules were not being followed at places where food is prepared and sold. On the directions of Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, action was taken at two places in Beed city on September 24, where banned gutkha and pan masala were seized.

Cases have been registered against the vendors at the city police station. Separately, serious deficiencies were found at a tea and snack centre on Jalna Road, and its licence has been suspended.

The first action was at Jameel Pan Centre in Bashirganj, which was raided on confidential information. During the inspection, gutkha and pan masala worth Rs 5,608 were found, including banned Goa and Baobaji pan masala. A case has been registered against the pan stall operator, Syed Musharat Ali Syed Hameed Ali, and the seller, Sheikh Tohid Afsar.

On the same day, a tea and bhajia cart near the arch opposite the District Hospital was also inspected. Banned gutkha of different companies was found in a khaki cardboard box. A case has been registered at Beed city police station against the cart operator, Sheikh Majed Sheikh Khaled.

The licence suspension was ordered for M/s Appa Tea and Snacks Centre at Sathe Chowk in Beed city. The centre had been inspected on July 27. It had no arrangement to keep rats out, and no report on testing for poison, insects and water. Food was being cooked at the utensil-washing area, and non-food-grade bags and newspaper were being used. Illegal artificial colours were in use and workers were consuming tobacco. Because of these serious lapses, the establishment's licence was suspended with immediate effect under the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Action against gutkha sales will not stop. A drive of inspections and action against sellers of banned gutkha and pan masala will continue in Beed city and across the district. The administration has taken a tough stand to curb the sale of banned food products that endanger public health.

Hotels, tea and snack centres and other places selling food must follow hygiene, safety and food safety rules. Establishments that break the rules or are found with lapses that endanger health will face action under the law.