Key Update

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) arrested 33 people, sealed 27 establishments and seized goods worth nearly Rs 50 lakh during a statewide enforcement drive against banned gutkha sales and food adulteration conducted between May 25 and May 27. According to an official statement issued on Thursday, the FDA carried out raids across the Brihanmumbai, Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Amravati, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisions. The inspections targeted banned tobacco products, adulterated food items and unhygienic manufacturing units.

34 Establishments Found Violating Gutkha Ban

Officials inspected 53 establishments linked to the sale of banned gutkha, paan masala and similar tobacco products. Authorities allegedly found violations at 34 establishments during the drive. The department registered 25 FIRs, arrested 33 accused, seized five vehicles and sealed 27 establishments. Officials also confiscated banned products worth Rs 20.57 lakh during the operation. Mumbai recorded the highest number of actions, with officials sealing 19 establishments and arresting 19 people.

FDA Seizes Adulterated and Unsafe Food Products

Apart from tobacco-related raids, the FDA also inspected 23 establishments involved in the manufacture or sale of packaged drinking water, milk products, noodles, carbonated beverages, edible oils, sweets, farsan, ice cream, spices, khoya, paneer, ghee, besan and bakery products. Officials seized food stock worth Rs 28.78 lakh under the Food Safety and Standards Act and sent samples for laboratory analysis. In Jalgaon, officials detected alleged adulteration of cow milk, where edible oil was allegedly used to prepare synthetic milk. In Pune district’s Indapur area, authorities seized mangoes worth around Rs 20,000 that were allegedly ripened artificially using chemicals.

Action Taken Against Unhygienic Units and Fake Labelling

In Dhule, the FDA seized gram flour stock worth nearly Rs 14 lakh from an atta mill allegedly operating under unhygienic conditions. Officials in Dharavi also took action against a noodles manufacturing unit for alleged labelling violations. In Nashik, authorities detected alleged illegal food production activities, fake labelling practices and the sale of substandard edible oil. Meanwhile, in Palghar, officials seized ice cream stock from a unit allegedly functioning in unhygienic conditions.

FDA Warns of Strict Action Against Repeat Offenders

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the department would continue strict enforcement against those violating food safety laws across the state. “Those found violating food safety laws will face stringent action. Repeat offenders involved in gutkha sales and food adulteration will face FIRs,” he said.

Source: The Indian Express