Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an aggressive statewide enforcement drive against food adulteration, banned tobacco products and violations of food safety regulations, signalling a tougher regulatory approach under newly appointed Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.
Within days of assuming charge on May 25, Mundhe directed FDA officials across the state to intensify inspections and conduct special operations targeting the manufacture and sale of adulterated food products, banned gutkha and pan masala, as well as establishments operating in unhygienic conditions. The crackdown was carried out simultaneously across Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Amravati, Konkan and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisions.
According to FDA officials, 53 raids were conducted during the first three days of the special drive. Authorities identified 34 establishments allegedly involved in the storage, distribution or sale of prohibited gutkha and pan masala products. As part of the operation, 25 FIRs were registered, 33 persons were arrested, five vehicles were seized and 27 establishments were sealed for violating provisions of food safety and tobacco control laws.
Mumbai witnessed the most extensive action, with enforcement teams raiding and sealing 19 establishments. Large quantities of banned gutkha, flavoured tobacco products and illegally packaged consumables were seized during the operation. Officials said the drive was aimed at dismantling supply networks dealing in prohibited products despite the state-wide ban.
The crackdown also extended beyond tobacco-related products. FDA teams inspected a wide range of food items, including packaged drinking water, milk, edible oil, sweets, spices, paneer, ghee and bakery products. During the inspections, authorities seized suspected adulterated and substandard food products worth ₹28.78 lakh. Samples collected from various locations have been sent to accredited laboratories for detailed analysis and further legal action, if required.
Officials said the campaign reflects the FDA’s renewed focus on protecting consumer health and ensuring strict compliance with food safety standards. The department has warned manufacturers, distributors and retailers that stringent action will be taken against anyone found compromising public health through the sale of adulterated, unsafe or prohibited products. The enforcement drive is expected to continue across Maharashtra in the coming weeks, with surprise inspections and intensified monitoring of high-risk sectors.
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