FDA launches festive crackdown across Maharashtra; 68 licences suspended, 20 arrested

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra has stepped up its action in recent days. On the directions of department commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, licences are being suspended where adulteration or irregularities are found. With Diwali and other festivals approaching, the FDA has launched a "Festive Crackdown Campaign" across the state.

The FDA also ran a strict statewide drive during the Navratri festival, which ended recently. The department seized substandard and adulterated food stock worth Rs 9.11 crore. Those who break the rules have been warned of stern action.

According to the information available, food stock worth Rs 4.19 crore was seized in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Gutkha, pan masala and tobacco worth Rs 3.15 crore were also reportedly seized in the state. In this action, licences of 68 shops and establishments have been suspended, while the FDA has directed 7 to shut down.

Twenty-two cases were registered and 20 accused were arrested. In addition, 8,392 kg of expired, spoiled and rejected food stock was seized.

Under the guidance of Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the drive was carried out in all six divisions of the state: Mumbai, Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nagpur. Action was taken against those who put food that should have been destroyed back on the market, endangering customers' plates. After Navratri, demand will rise in Diwali for sweets, khoya, edible oil, dry fruits and festive delicacies, which is why the FDA will run this campaign.

Meanwhile, the FDA's Solapur division Zone-2 took major action at Malshiras. A vehicle carrying khoya on the Pune-Pandharpur road was raided and 1,337 kg of khoya was seized. As khoya spoils quickly, it was destroyed in a pit immediately after testing.

According to information received by the FDA, the vehicle, with registration number MH 25 AJ 4023, was headed to sell and supply khoya made by three different producers at various places in Dharashiv district to wholesale and retail sellers in Satara city. The department acted after inspecting the khoya, which was being kept in the open without following any norms.