Report

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken legal action against Khushi Trading, a firm based in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, for allegedly repackaging expired food products and reselling them on the market. FDA officials discovered that the company operated without a valid food safety license and had continued business despite previous shutdown orders.

Surprise Inspection Uncovers Shocking Violations

Acting on information from the Yogesh Kadam, the Minister of State for FDA, Maharashtra., officials led by Joint Commissioner (Food) Mangesh Mane conducted a surprise inspection on May 22 at the firm’s premises in Cozmongie Estate, Ghatkopar (West). They found multiple violations, including:

• Absence of an FSSAI licence

• Unhygienic storage conditions

• Evidence of expired and near-expiry goods allegedly sourced from D-Mart and repackaged for sale

“This is a direct threat to public health,” said a senior FDA official. “The firm violated several provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, especially the hygiene norms listed in Schedule 4.”

Firm Defies Stop-Business Order, Faces Legal Action

Despite receiving a stop-business order from Food Safety Officer Abhinandan Randive on May 22, Khushi Trading resumed operations without approval. A follow-up inspection on May 29, led by Assistant Commissioner (Food) Anupamaa Balasaheb Patil, confirmed the continued illegal activity.

As a result, the FDA registered an FIR at the Ghatkopar police station under:

• Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (for disobedience of lawful orders)

• Section 55 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (for non-compliance with food safety directions)

D-Mart Under Investigation for Possible Involvement

The FDA has launched an internal probe into D-Mart’s potential role in supplying expired goods to Khushi Trading. Officials are focusing on the retailer’s outlets in Navi Mumbai and Bhiwandi, where the suspect stock may have originated. D-Mart has not yet responded to the allegations.

FDA Sends Strong Message to Food Businesses

The FDA has issued a stern warning to all food business operators, urging strict adherence to food safety laws. Officials made it clear that any violations would lead to swift and strict legal consequences. In a related move, the FDA also suspended the food business license of Kiranakart Technologies, the parent company of Zepto, after an inspection at its Dharavi facility revealed unhygienic food storage conditions. The FDA is tightening the net on violators endangering public health. From local traders to major retailers, no one is above the law when it comes to food safety.

Source: The New Indian Express