Mumbai, October 5 (Daily Kiran) : The Supreme Court has provided relief to Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the Gurunanak Dairy and Sweets case. On October 5, 2026, the Court annulled a Bombay High Court directive that mandated the FDA to pay ₹5 lakh in compensation to the establishment.
According to a press release from the Maharashtra FDA, the case involved actions taken by food safety officials against a Pune-based sweets and dairy product establishment. The FDA stated that its actions were in the interest of public health and adhered to the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.
The FDA initiated an inspection on June 12, 2026, following complaints of food poisoning. During the inspection, officials discovered deficiencies related to hygiene, record maintenance, labeling, and personal cleanliness of staff. Consequently, the FDA suspended the establishment’s food license.
Samples of a creamy peda were taken during the inspection, which were later deemed unsafe. This led to the suspension of the food license in the interest of public health.
The owner of the establishment filed a statutory appeal with the FDA Commissioner on June 15, 2026. After submitting a compliance report on July 9, the FDA conducted a follow-up inspection just four days later. Subsequently, the establishment filed a writ petition in the Bombay High Court.
On August 17, 2026, the Bombay High Court lifted the suspension of the food license and ordered the FDA to pay ₹5 lakh in compensation for business losses incurred. The Maharashtra government contested this order in the Supreme Court.
In its arguments, the state government emphasized that the FDA’s actions were initiated after receiving food poisoning complaints. The government noted that the sample taken during the inspection was found unsafe, justifying the suspension of the food license.
The state also pointed out that the inspection revealed several shortcomings related to hygiene, record-keeping, labeling, and staff cleanliness. It argued that the FDA acted promptly, conducting a follow-up inspection shortly after receiving the compliance report.
Furthermore, the government informed the Supreme Court that the establishment’s statutory appeal was still pending with the FDA Commissioner. Therefore, the government argued for patience in awaiting the decision without interfering in the legal process.
Considering the state government’s arguments, the Supreme Court annulled the Bombay High Court’s order for the FDA to pay compensation. The Maharashtra FDA’s press release stated that the ruling underscores the legality and appropriateness of actions taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, based on the deficiencies found during inspections and in the interest of public health.
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