Home / Crime and Justice / Maharashtra FDA Raids: Food Stock Worth Crores Seized!
Maharashtra FDA Raids: Food Stock Worth Crores Seized!
29 Sep
Summary
- Over 50,000 kg of food stock valued at Rs 1.19 crore was seized.
- Thirty food licenses were suspended due to hygiene and safety violations.
- Strict legal action will continue against food establishments.
Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted a significant statewide crackdown on food establishments, leading to the suspension of 30 food licenses and the seizure of 50,601.78 kg of food stock valued at Rs 1.19 crore. This action occurred between September 23 and 27, targeting businesses across Mumbai, Konkan, Pune, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisions.
Several well-known establishments, including Kyani & Co, Colaba Sweet Mart, and Subway outlets, faced action due to alleged violations of food safety and hygiene standards. Inspections revealed severe issues such as pest infestations, including cats, rat droppings, live flies, and dead cockroaches, in preparation and storage areas. Some establishments also lacked proper pest control and staff medical records.
Beyond license suspensions, legal action was initiated against other food businesses under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The FDA also seized substantial quantities of various food products, including khoa, paneer, ghee, sweets, and oils, suspected to be substandard, adulterated, or unsafe. Banned food products worth Rs 30.63 lakh were also seized, with 22 FIRs registered and 30 arrests made during inspections across multiple divisions.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe stated that the government is committed to continuing strict legal action against establishments found selling or storing expired, tampered, or unhygienically prepared food products. The crackdown aims to ensure food safety and public health, particularly during the busy festive period.
