FDA seizes food items in Thane; 6 arrested

• FDA seizes suspicious food and oil worth almost Rs 12 lakh in Thane
• Six people were arrested for selling banned gutkha and pan masala
• Citizens can report sub-standard food via a dedicated toll-free line

Thane, May 28 (PTI) The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized suspicious items, including edible oil, toddy, ghee and gutkha, worth almost Rs 12 lakh in Thane district, leading to the arrest of

six persons, an official said on Thursday.

The special operation was conducted on May 27 under the guidance of FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, he added.

"During the inspections of various food establishments, FDA officials seized suspicious stock totalling Rs 7,30,150. This includes edible oil worth Rs 1,49,724, farsan worth Rs 93,830, ghee worth Rs 2,06,800, and hakka noodles valued at Rs 8,190. Additionally, toddy worth Rs 17,100, sherbet worth Rs 54,096, and gum arabic worth Rs 1,97,640 were confiscated due to regulatory violations," a release said.

Six persons were arrested for possessing and selling banned food items like pan masala and gutkha, it added.

Contraband stock worth Rs 4,53,344 was recovered from their possession, FDA Joint Commissioner Parag Nalawade stated.

The authority urged citizens to report sub-standard food quality or malpractices by contacting FDA toll-free number (1800222365) or by filing a formal complaint with the Joint Commissioner's Office at Wagle Estate in Thane. PTI COR BNM