Soon after assuming charge as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Tukaram Mundhe has signalled a stricter crackdown on food adulteration across Maharashtra. The FDA, which has often faced criticism over weak field-level enforcement, has now intensified inspection drives, with Nagpur witnessing one of the first major enforcement operations under the new leadership.
Acting on Mundhe’s instructions, FDA teams carried out surprise raids at multiple locations across Nagpur district and seized large quantities of food products suspected to be adulterated or failing to meet prescribed quality standards. Officials said the operation was aimed at ensuring safe and hygienic food products for consumers.
During the inspection drive, teams collected samples of spices, packaged drinking water, paneer, cream and several other food items for laboratory testing. In total, more than 6,000 kilograms and litres of food stock were seized during the raids.
Among the seized items were 1,196 kilograms of turmeric and chilli powder valued at Rs 34,800, which were taken into custody for quality analysis. FDA officials also confiscated 4,600 litres of packaged drinking water worth Rs 54,180.
Additionally, samples of 194 kilograms of cream valued at Rs 58,260, 64 kilograms of paneer worth Rs 19,200 and other food products weighing around 25 kilograms valued at Rs 6,130 were collected during the operation.
Officials said all seized samples have been sent to laboratories for detailed examination. Further legal action will be initiated against the concerned businesses if the products fail to comply with food safety standards.
The crackdown has generated significant discussion across Nagpur, with many viewing it as an indication of a more proactive FDA under Tukaram Mundhe’s leadership. Authorities have indicated that similar enforcement drives are likely to continue across Maharashtra in the coming months.
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