FDA Chief Surprised by Court Order on Food Safety

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe voiced surprise at a recent Bombay High Court order. The court directed the FDA to pay Rs 5 lakh to a Pune sweets shop and withdraw the suspension of its food license. Mundhe affirmed the FDA's commitment to public health, noting the action was taken after consumers fell ill from the shop's products, with reports confirming the food was 'unsafe'.

The Bombay High Court's decision questioned the continued suspension of the sweets shop's license, especially after a re-inspection showed 98% compliance with safety norms. The court mandated the Rs 5 lakh payment within 30 days and allowed the shop to resume operations.

This development follows a broader FDA inspection drive. During this drive, 14 food business licenses were suspended, and 60 improvement notices were issued. Additionally, 698 kg of dairy stock valued at Rs 34,302 was seized. The FDA also took action against banned food items, registering 10 FIRs and seizing stock worth over Rs 46 lakh.

Commissioner Mundhe emphasized that food and drug safety are collective responsibilities and urged public participation in reporting irregularities. He linked a 'Healthy India' to the nation's goal of becoming a superpower, underscoring the fundamental role of safe food and medicines in national progress.