Maharashtra FDA's Crackdown Leads to 33 Arrests and 27 Closures

Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) executed a massive crackdown against food adulteration, arresting 33 individuals and sealing 27 businesses in a comprehensive three-day campaign. Officials confirmed this vigorous initiative targeted the sale of banned, adulterated, and unsafe food items across the state.

The operation, led by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, unfolded between May 25 and May 27, seizing goods valued over Rs 20.57 lakh. The FDA focused on inspecting prohibited products and ensuring compliance with food safety standards, resulting in actions against establishments for various violations.

In addition to the crackdown on banned substances, FDA teams collected samples of various food items, including beverages and dairy products, for quality testing. Notably, a milk adulteration operation was uncovered in Jalgaon, while actions in Indapur and Mumbai addressed issues concerning artificial fruit ripening and labelling breaches.

Mundhe emphasized that the FDA remains committed to safeguarding public health, with plans to enforce stringent measures and criminal prosecutions against lawbreakers. The administration is also developing a mobile app to encourage public reporting of suspected food adulteration cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)