Home / Business and Economy / Maharashtra FDA Seizes Crores in Adulterated Food
Maharashtra FDA Seizes Crores in Adulterated Food
25 Sep
Summary
- Over 6.34 lakh kg of suspected adulterated food seized.
- Seized food worth ₹9.76 crore confiscated statewide.
- Special drive conducted during Ganeshotsav, September 1-23, 2026.
During Ganeshotsav, Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a statewide special drive from September 1 to 23, 2026, confiscating over 6.34 lakh kg of suspected adulterated food valued at approximately ₹9.76 crore. The operation targeted 3,068 food establishments to ensure consumer safety during the festival season.
Authorities collected 2,423 samples of sweets, khoa, dairy products, edible oils, and fasting foods for analysis. Notices were issued to 1,506 establishments, with 248 facing license suspensions and 12 having licenses canceled due to serious violations. Nashik division reported the largest seizure, accounting for 4.43 lakh kg worth ₹6.23 crore.
To enhance enforcement, the FDA launched a "Festival Enforcement Portal" for year-round monitoring. This system supports inspections, public awareness, and legal actions, commencing 21 days before and concluding 30 days after festivals. They also registered 455 cases under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, recovering ₹53.60 lakh in penalties.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe urged citizens to buy only from licensed vendors and to verify license details and bills. Festival organizers were also instructed to inform FDA officials in advance and utilize licensed caterers for food distribution.
