Maharashtra FDA Seizes Goods Worth Rs 57 Lakh in Food Safety Raids

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a significant crackdown on July 9, targeting food safety violations across the state. The surprise inspections focused on dairy units, eateries, and various food businesses, resulting in the seizure of food products valued at more than Rs 57 lakh.

The operation led to the confiscation of milk and dairy products, banned gutkha and pan masala, spices, bakery products, and edible oils. Five milk and dairy units were inspected, with authorities seizing 2,252 kg/litres of stock worth approximately Rs 1.62 lakh. Notably, substandard and adulterated milk products were destroyed in regions such as Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, and Latur. The license of Gautam Dugdhalaya in Ghatkopar was suspended due to improper labeling and unhygienic storage conditions.

Furthermore, the FDA inspected 58 hotels, restaurants, and roadside eateries throughout Maharashtra. Out of these, 26 establishments received improvement notices, and four licenses were suspended for failing to comply with food safety regulations.

In a related crackdown, the FDA tackled the issue of banned pan masala and gutkha, registering eight FIRs and arresting 13 individuals. Stock valued at Rs 41.06 lakh was seized. Additionally, action was taken against unsafe spices, bakery products, and edible oils, with around 12,886 kg of products confiscated, valued at Rs 14.92 lakh.

At the APMC Spice Market in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, spices worth approximately Rs 7.76 lakh were seized, and in Nanded, refined soybean oil branded as 'Saraswati Swadisht' valued at around Rs 3.53 lakh was confiscated. Licenses for four hotels and bakery establishments in Dhule and Pune were suspended for non-compliance with Food Safety and Standards regulations.