Tukaram Mundhe Leads FDA Crackdown During Festival Season; Food Products Worth Rs 9 Crore, Including Patanjali Ghee, Seized

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under the leadership of Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, has launched a statewide crackdown against food adulteration and violations of food safety regulations ahead of Diwali. During the special inspection drive, officials seized food products worth more than Rs 9 crore from 114 establishments across the state. The department also suspended the licences or registrations of 19 food business operators after identifying serious hygiene and regulatory violations. The campaign covered all seven divisions of Maharashtra and focused on food products witnessing increased demand during the festive season.

Among the major seizures was 2,279 litres of Patanjali cow ghee, valued at approximately Rs 20.20 lakh, from a distributor in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The action was carried out at M/s Divya Mahavitarak, a super distributor of Patanjali Ayurved located in Sundarwadi. FDA officials seized 4,032 units of ghee belonging to two batches. According to the department, the stock was confiscated under Section 38(1)(c) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, on suspicion of misbranding or adulteration. The products were prima facie found to be in violation of the provisions of the Act.

The largest individual seizure during the statewide operation was reported in the Konkan division. Officials confiscated 1,44,218 kg of edible oil of different brands from Avenue Supermarts Ltd. in Bhiwandi, Thane district. The FDA seized 6,671 kg of edible oil from Swati Oil Mills in Satara and 6,235 kg from S G Traders in Solapur. Officials also confiscated 20,560 kg of rice, pulses, jaggery and other food products from Amin Traders in Satara.

In another operation, 2,710 kg of refined soybean oil was seized from Ravi Oil Industries, an oil repacking unit located at Lasur Station in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. The seized products included several varieties of edible oils, such as refined soybean, palmolein, sunflower, groundnut, mustard and safflower oils, along with vanaspati. The action also covered spices, including chilli, turmeric and coriander powder, garam masala, mutton masala, cumin, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon and asafoetida.

Other confiscated items included rice, pulses, jaggery, wheat flour, gram flour, maida, ghee, milk products, sweets, namkeen, dry fruits, mango pulp, charoli, chia seeds, bakery products and Hakka noodles. Apart from the seizures, the FDA inspected several food establishments in Greater Mumbai and identified multiple hygiene-related violations. The establishments included Cafe Empire in Matunga East, Cocobliss Cafe in Ghatkopar, Sagar Milk Centre in Antop Hill and Shinde Masale Dadarwale in Lower Parel.

During the inspection of Cafe Empire, officials reportedly found grease and soot accumulated on the exhaust fan and chimney, burnt food residues and oil on kitchen surfaces, and waste scattered across the floor. Cooked rice was also found uncovered, with flies present in the area. The inspection further revealed the absence of insect-proof screens and an NABL conformity certificate for food-contact packaging.

At Cocobliss Cafe, officials reported active insect infestation, accumulated waste and deficiencies in water and food ingredient testing. Packaging-related shortcomings and the absence of medical fitness certificates for employees were also noted. At Sagar Milk Centre, the FDA found that pasteurised toned milk was being sold loose despite earlier directions. Officials also reported that the source of the milk could not be traced and that purchase invoices were unavailable.

In a separate enforcement operation against banned food articles conducted between October 28 and 31, the FDA seized products worth Rs 79.40 lakh from 17 establishments. The action resulted in 13 FIRs, 16 arrests, the sealing of seven establishments and the seizure of six vehicles. The Maharashtra FDA has urged consumers to exercise caution while purchasing food products during the festive season. Citizens have been advised to buy food only from licensed or registered establishments and avoid loose or unlabelled items.

The department has also asked consumers to check product labels, batch numbers, packing dates and 'Best Before' details before making purchases. The statewide enforcement campaign comes ahead of Diwali, when demand for sweets, dairy products, edible oils and other food items rises significantly. The FDA's action is aimed at strengthening food safety monitoring and ensuring compliance with regulations across Maharashtra.

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