FDA suspends 14 licenses of e-commerce platforms during raids across Maharashtra

Mumbai, Aug 14 (AHN) Intensifying its crackdown on food safety violations, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday conducted a statewide inspection drive and suspended 14 licenses, including of quick-commerce and online food delivery establishments, officials said.

According to an official statement, a total of 86 establishments were raided, including those selling food through online platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart.

Authorities seized 698 kg of dairy products and 1,270 kg of other food items during the searches. Ten First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed over banned pan masala and gutkha, with nine arrests, officials said.

Overall, 15 raids were conducted, resulting in seizures worth Rs 46.89 lakh.

The Food and Drug Administration carried out major action against milk and dairy products. Total seized dairy stock stood at 698 kg, approximately valued at Rs 34,302.

Ten FIRs were registered in cases involving the sale, distribution and transportation of banned food items such as pan masala and gutkha. In these cases, 9 persons were arrested and stock worth a total of Rs 46,76,631 was seized.

Authorities said approximately 1,270 kg of other food items (milk and dairy products, bakery items, edible oil, etc.) worth around Rs 1,29,762 were seized.

A total of 109 hotels, restaurants, dhabas, etc. were inspected, with 49 establishments issued improvement notices and 4 food establishment licenses suspended.

Earlier, the Maharashtra government imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, storage, transportation, distribution, and processing of analogue paneer (artificial or non-dairy cottage cheese) across the state. With this decision, Maharashtra becomes the second state in the country, after Chhattisgarh, to prohibit the product.

According to an order issued by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on July 30, the ban came into immediate effect. It covers the manufacture, processing, packing, storage, transportation, wholesale and retail sale, as well as the offering for sale of analogue or non-dairy cheese throughout the state.

The FDA has clarified that any individual or establishment selling analogue paneer while misrepresenting it as genuine dairy cheese will be deemed to have misled consumers and engaged in unfair trade practices under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Authorities have warned that strict legal action will be taken against violators.