Home / Crime and Justice / Maharashtra FDA busts gutkha sales, seizes Rs 50 lakh goods
Maharashtra FDA busts gutkha sales, seizes Rs 50 lakh goods
29 May
Summary
- Over 33 individuals were apprehended in a statewide enforcement drive.
- Seventy-seven establishments were sealed during the crackdown on banned products.
- Goods valued at nearly Rs 50 lakh were confiscated by the FDA.
During a recent statewide enforcement drive conducted between May 25 and May 27, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took decisive action against the sale of banned gutkha and food adulteration. This operation led to the arrest of 33 individuals and the sealing of 27 establishments, with goods valued at approximately Rs 50 lakh being seized.
The FDA's comprehensive raids spanned across Brihanmumbai, Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Amravati, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisions. Over 53 establishments were inspected for banned tobacco products, leading to 34 violations and the registration of 25 First Information Reports (FIRs).
Beyond gutkha, the FDA also inspected 23 establishments dealing with packaged drinking water, milk products, and other food items. Stock worth Rs 28.78 lakh was seized, and samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Notable findings included alleged synthetic milk production in Jalgaon and artificially ripened mangoes in Pune.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe emphasized that strict action will continue against all food safety law violators, including repeat offenders. The agency aims to ensure stringent compliance with food safety regulations across the state.
