FDA Suspends 68 Food Licenses in Maharashtra Amid Hygiene Violations
The FDA's festive-season inspections have led to the suspension of 68 food licenses across Maharashtra due to serious hygiene issues.
68 food licenses suspended across major cities in Maharashtra.
Seizures of substandard food stock valued at Rs 9.1 crore.
22 FIRs filed against illegal tobacco products, resulting in 20 arrests.
In a significant enforcement action, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended 68 food licenses across various cities in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Nagpur. This initiative is part of a broader festive-season drive aimed at ensuring food safety and hygiene standards are upheld during a time when food consumption typically increases.
The FDA's inspections revealed alarming hygiene violations, such as infestations of cockroaches and rats, unclean kitchens, and improper waste disposal systems. Additionally, unauthorized food coloring and the failure to properly segregate raw food items were noted as major concerns. These findings prompted the agency to take decisive action against establishments that failed to comply with health regulations.
The statewide operations have led to substantial seizures of food stock, totaling approximately Rs 12.7 crore. Among the seized items, 3,74,762 kg of substandard food products and 28,297 liters of potentially adulterated liquids were confiscated. The seized goods included a variety of food items such as edible oils, spices, milk products, and sweets, all of which were deemed unsafe for consumption.
In specific regions like Thane and Pune, officials confiscated 8,392 kg of food stock valued at Rs 48 lakh, which consisted of expired and spoiled goods that were intended for destruction. Instead of being disposed of safely, these items were reportedly being reused and sold back into the market, posing a significant risk to public health. The crackdown on illegal tobacco products also resulted in seizures worth Rs 3.1 crore, with 22 FIRs filed and 20 arrests made in connection with these offenses.
Looking ahead, the FDA plans to continue its rigorous inspections and enforcement actions throughout the festive season to ensure that food safety standards are maintained. The agency emphasizes the importance of compliance from food establishments to protect consumer health and safety. Further actions and inspections are expected in the coming weeks as part of this ongoing initiative.
