FDA raids across Maharashtra: 32 persons arrested, 26 establishments sealed

Mumbai, Jun 1 (PTI) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has arrested 32 persons and sealed 26 establishments during raids conducted across Maharashtra between May 30 and 31, a senior official said on Monday.

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said officials inspected 40 establishments across Mumbai, Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisions, of which 32 were found selling prohibited items.

Material worth Rs 12.16 lakh was seized and 24 FIRs were registered against erring establishments, he said.

He said three vehicles worth Rs 2.60 lakh were also seized during the action, which primarily targeted banned items such as gutka, scented supari and certain tobacco products.

“People, while raising complaints, should provide

the exact address of the establishment so that it becomes easier for the FDA to take appropriate action. It is the right of citizens to get safe and hygienic food. The FDA is also working to strengthen public outreach through a mobile application and a toll-free number to facilitate complaints,” he said.

Mundhe said the department is increasing manpower by 40 personnel and augmenting laboratory capacity in Mumbai, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, while new labs are being planned in Pune, Nashik and Yavatmal.

He added that food testing facilities currently handle thousands of samples annually across regions.

The FDA conducted a wider three-day drive from May 29 to 31, during which over 84,000 kg of stock worth Rs 97.19 lakh was examined. This included action against adulterated jaggery in Pune and artificial ripening of mangoes, he said.

Mundhe said the FDA will hold meetings with industry stakeholders to ensure compliance with norms, adding that the department is focusing on a three-pronged strategy of empowering consumers, enabling businesses and enforcing regulations.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized 3,453 kg of mangoes worth Rs 11.12 lakh and gutkha worth Rs 4.74 lakh in Thane district during raids conducted on May 30 and 31, officials said.

Food safety officers raided APMC Market in Navi Mumbai and other areas, where three establishments were found directly spraying ethylene on mangoes to ripen them artificially, they added.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India prohibits direct spraying of ethylene on fruits. Only ethylene gas chambers are permitted. PTI ND COR BNM