FDA seizes goods worth Rs 1.87 lakh in Satara, suspends three licences after MNS complaint

Satara, October 23: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Satara has begun action over the quality of food items in the festive season, after the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) pressed the matter. Goods worth Rs 1,87,120 have been seized from two places and the licences of three establishments have been suspended. An oil depot has also been fined Rs 20,000.

MNS city president Rahul Pawar had submitted a memorandum to the FDA on October 1. It sought an impartial inquiry into complaints about the quality of food items. It also warned that an agitation would be launched if no action was taken within seven days. The administration then ran a special inspection drive.

According to the action report of October 19, goods worth Rs 1.63 lakh were seized from the Rajmane oil depot and its licence was suspended. The licence of the Saibaba canteen, run at the Civil Hospital, was also suspended. The licence of Hogard Milk has been suspended for 12 days.

Khoya worth Rs 24,120 was seized from Latkar Kandi Pedha at Powai Naka. A fine of Rs 20,000 was imposed on D.K. oil depot. Samples of khoya, turmeric, oil and other items were also taken from various eateries, sweet shops and outlets selling food items. They have been sent to a laboratory for testing. Further action will follow once the reports arrive.

The MNS has expressed satisfaction with the administration's action. It has nonetheless demanded that the drive not be limited to inspections and that strict action be taken against the guilty as per the rules. Pawar has also warned that an intense agitation will be launched if adulterated food items are found on sale during Diwali. The MNS said there should be no compromise on people's health and that the administration should keep up its inspections.