Spices worth Rs 60.89 lakh seized at Pimplener in Buldhana, two food business licences suspended

The Food and Drug Administration carried out a surprise action on October 25 at Pimplener village in Deulgaon Raja tehsil of Buldhana district. A total of 47,885 kg of spices, valued at Rs 60,89,646, was seized. The food business licences of two establishments were also suspended. The action has again raised questions over the quality of food sold in the market during the festival season.

The first inspection was at M/s Janata Seva Mirchi Masala Industries in Pimplener. Officials found several serious lapses. The premises were dirty, with cats, pigeons and insects found moving about. Pest control arrangements were also inadequate. Workers had not undergone medical examination, food items were kept directly on the floor, and test reports for the food products were not available.

Irregularities were also found in the label of the onion-garlic masala sold under the "JSM" brand at the same establishment. Stocks of loose chilli powder, turmeric powder and whole turmeric were also seized on suspicion of poor quality. In all, 47,381 kg of spices worth Rs 57,95,846 were seized from this establishment. Samples of these food items have been taken for testing.

The second inspection was at M/s Anokhe Foods and Spices. Here too, officials found matters that raised questions about compliance with the rules. Work had stopped at the licensed premises, Gat No. 81. The business was being run from another location, for which there was no valid licence. Test reports for food products were not available here either.

From this establishment, 238 kg of red chilli powder, 208 kg of turmeric powder and 58 kg of coriander powder, all of the "Anokhe" brand, were seized. The total is 504 kg of spices, valued at Rs 2,93,800.

The total weight of spices seized from the two establishments is 47,885 kg, worth Rs 60,89,646. The Food and Drug Administration has suspended the food business licences of both with immediate effect.

The action was taken under the guidance of Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe and S. D. Kedare, Joint Commissioner (Food), Amravati division. Food Safety Officer A. S. Bhopale carried it out on the instructions and in the presence of P. S. Patil, Assistant Commissioner (Food), Buldhana.

Samples of the seized food items have been sent for testing. Further action will be taken on the basis of the reports. Such inspections are considered important so that there is no compromise on food quality during the festival period.