Maharashtra FDA Warns Against Fake Agents Seeking Money For Food & Drug Licences

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned citizens, pharmaceutical businesses, and food operators against individuals and establishments allegedly posing as authorised agents of the department and demanding money to secure food and drug licences.

In a press note issued on Thursday, the FDA made it clear that it has not appointed any agent, intermediary, or private organisation to apply for licences, process applications, or undertake any related work on behalf of applicants. The department said the entire process of applying for and obtaining food and drug licences is available online. Applicants are, therefore, not required to approach middlemen or pay third parties to process their applications.

The warning comes after the

FDA received information about people allegedly misusing the names of department officials and employees while claiming they could help applicants obtain licences. Such individuals are reportedly demanding money in the name of facilitating or speeding up the licensing process. The FDA has urged drug manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, food business operators, and other applicants to remain cautious and deal only through the department’s authorised online systems.

For drug-related licences, applicants can use the FDA Maharashtra portal, while food licence applications can be submitted through the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s FoSCoS portal. The department said the required application procedures and guidelines are available on these official platforms. The FDA has also warned that if anyone, including a person claiming to represent the department or using the name of an FDA official, demands money for processing an application, the matter should be reported immediately to the department.

According to FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the identity of people providing information about such malpractice will be kept confidential. The department has reiterated that applicants can complete the licensing process themselves through the official online system, and there is no requirement to engage an agent or intermediary.

The FDA has asked citizens and businesses to remain alert and avoid falling prey to people claiming to have influence within the department or promising to secure licences in exchange for money. The warning is aimed at preventing fraudulent practices around the licensing process and ensuring that applicants use only the authorised digital platforms for food and drug licence applications.