Key Update

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of several food establishments in Pune, including the main manufacturing unit of popular Karachi Sweet Mart at Bhimpura Lane in Camp, over food safety violations. Shrikant Karkale, Joint Commissioner, FDA (Food), Pune Division, said officials inspected the manufacturing unit on Tuesday and found multiple food safety violations.

Expired Ingredients and Unrecorded Food Colours Found

During the inspection, officials found that the establishment used synthetic food colours without maintaining records of their quantities. They also identified violations of FSSAI requirements concerning traceability, storage, temperature control, and the handling of khoa. Further, Food Safety Officer S S Hake, under the guidance of Assistant Commissioner (Food) N R Sarkate, found expired ingredients, including chocolate sticks. Karkale said the inspection revealed several instances of non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Regulations. Officials collected samples of motichoor ladoo, khoa and malai pedha for laboratory analysis. The FDA also seized 186 kg of food items worth ₹90,780 and destroyed perishable products.

FDA Suspends Licences of Multiple Establishments

As part of its ongoing Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra campaign, launched by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, officials have inspected food establishments across all districts of the Pune division. Besides Karachi Sweet Mart, the FDA suspended the licences of the following establishments:

• Ganesh Ladwale, Shikrapur
• Rajmilan Sweets, Manchar
• Bhayal Sweets, Pimple Saudagar
• Puneri Sweets, Kalewadi
• Pournima Sweets, Wanawadi
• Chamunda Maa Rabdiwala, Mulshi
• New Quality Dairy Farm, Shivajinagar Gaothan
• Bikaner Mithaiwale, Mohammadwadi
• Janta Sweets, Keshavnagar, Mundhwa

Officials also suspended stocks worth ₹16,93,295 and ordered three food establishments to stop operations. The FDA has urged food business operators to obtain the necessary licences and registrations, maintain hygiene, ensure proper food storage and handling, and comply with food safety and labelling regulations.

Source: The Indian Express