Mumbai, August 10: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched a special campaign from August 7 to 9 to ensure the quality and safety of food products across the state. During this operation, a significant quantity of food items, including milk and dairy products, cooking oils, packaged drinking water, sweets, and banned gutkha, were seized. The administration issued notices against several establishments, suspended licenses, and registered criminal cases.
According to the FDA, a total of 14,378 kilograms/liters of milk and dairy products were confiscated, valued at approximately ₹1.32 crore. Additionally, food products worth around ₹28.80 lakh, totaling 18,455.54 kilograms, were seized. Inspections were conducted at 90 establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and dhabas, resulting in 8 improvement notices and the suspension of one establishment’s license.
In a complaint received regarding ‘Lakshmi Narayan’ brand cashew katli sold at Reliance Retail’s ARD Cinemall on Malakapur Road in Buldhana district, mold and live insects were reported. Although the specific batch in question was not found, 54 boxes (11.340 kilograms) of another batch, valued at ₹10,238, were seized. Samples have been sent for laboratory testing, and further action will be taken based on the results.
During an inspection at Blink Commerce Private Limited in Malad West, Mumbai, the FDA discovered several serious irregularities. Officials noted significant filth, a cockroach infestation, improper food storage, rusted racks, inadequate cold storage, and expired or tampered packaged food items. Compliance with waste management, pest control, employee health checks, and personal hygiene regulations was also found lacking. Consequently, the company’s food license was suspended immediately.
In Beed district, the FDA raided five establishments on August 6 and 7, seizing 1,19,187.5 kilograms of cooking oil, valued at approximately ₹1.94 crore. The FSSAI licenses of all related establishments were suspended, and 27 samples were sent for laboratory testing. During the operation, 66,652.6 kilograms of oil were seized from Swagat Oil Industries and 45,995.7 kilograms from Charkha Oil Mill. The investigation revealed reused tins, labeling discrepancies, cleanliness issues, and lack of necessary records.
In Jalgaon, 87,320 liters of packaged drinking water were confiscated, with an estimated value of ₹8.73 lakh. An inspection at Ajit Delight Private Limited in Butibori, Nagpur, revealed that while artificial sweeteners were mentioned on rusk packets, the mandatory warnings were missing. The FDA seized 9,827 kilograms of rusk, valued at approximately ₹14.13 lakh.
During inspections at Vard Jaggery in Kolhapur, officials raised serious concerns about cleanliness in the jaggery production process. White crystal sugar intended for use in jaggery production was also found. A total of 950 kilograms of goods, valued at ₹42,750, were seized.
In a special campaign against banned gutkha, pan masala, and other tobacco products, 10 establishments were inspected. The FDA registered 8 FIRs, arrested 11 individuals, and seized banned goods worth ₹63,206.50. During operations in the Konkan, Pune, Nashik, and Nagpur regions, 7 establishments were sealed.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe emphasized that strict adherence to food safety and quality regulations will be enforced in the state. He made it clear that any compromise on public health will not be tolerated, and strict actions against the production, storage, and sale of adulterated or banned food products will continue.
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