The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has significantly ramped up inspections of food establishments in preparation for the festive season, leading to the suspension of several licenses and the seizure of thousands of kilograms of dairy products, sweets, and other food items suspected to be substandard.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has significantly ramped up inspections of food establishments in preparation for the festive season, leading to the suspension of several licenses and the seizure of thousands of kilograms of dairy products, sweets, and other food items suspected to be substandard.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has significantly ramped up inspections of food establishments in preparation for the festive season, leading to the suspension of several licenses and the seizure of thousands of kilograms of dairy products, sweets, and other food items suspected to be substandard.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stepped up inspections of food establishments ahead of the festive season, suspending the licences of several establishments in Mumbai and Pune and seizing thousands of kilograms of dairy products, sweets and other food items suspected to be substandard.

The action comes as Maharashtra prepares for a series of festivals, including Ganeshotsav, Navratri, Dussehra and Diwali, when demand for sweets, dairy products and other food items typically rises. The FDA said its special inspection drive was conducted between September 11 and 14 across Greater Mumbai. 

Among the prominent establishments facing action in Mumbai is Cafe Mondegar in Colaba, whose licence was suspended following an inspection on September 12.

According to the FDA, inspectors found several food-safety and hygiene deficiencies at the establishment. Hot food was reportedly not being maintained above the required 60°C, while cold storage was not maintained below 5°C. Inspectors also noted improper thawing of food and inadequate rapid cooling of cooked food. 

The inspection also flagged structural and hygiene concerns, including dampness-related damage to flooring, inadequate drainage near the food preparation area and improper cleaning and sanitisation of equipment. The FDA said these conditions posed a potential risk of cross-contamination. 

Maharashtra Biryani Center in Kandivali East, Tribhuvan Dairy Farm in Ghatkopar West and Mahavir Cashew & Foods Pvt Ltd in Ghatkopar East were also listed among establishments in Mumbai whose licences were suspended. The FDA said Schedule 4 violations were found during inspections at the latter three establishments. 

The wider Greater Mumbai drive resulted in the inspection of 38 food establishments and collection of 47 samples, including milk, khoya, ghee and sweets, for analysis. The FDA also seized 23 kg of burfi from Ayush Milk Supplier in Andheri East and 225 kg of khoya from Brijwasi Mithaiyan in Mulund West. 

Overall, the FDA said the licences of nine establishments in Greater Mumbai were suspended over deficiencies under the Food Safety and Standards Act. These included Ruhafza Bakery in Khar, Chandru's Pure Ghee Sweets and Sharma Dairy & Fast Food in Andheri, Punjabi Chandu Halwai in Grant Road, Shri Narayan Dairy in Vile Parle, Gulshan Dairy Farm in Khar, Tribhuvan Dairy Farm, Mahavir Cashew & Foods and Agrawal Sweet Mart in Jogeshwari. 

Meanwhile, Krishna Sweets and Snacks in Kanjurmarg East was fined ₹20,000 after deficiencies were found during inspection. 

The statewide operation resulted in the seizure of 4,138.7 kg of dairy products and sweets, including khoya, paneer, ghee, peda, halwa, shrikhand, butter and milk powder, along with 30 litres of liquid milk. The FDA put the total value of the seized stock at ₹15.58 lakh. 

In Pune division, the FDA took action against Creamy Delight in Patas, Daund, where 1,519 kg of cow milk, butter and skimmed milk powder, valued at ₹8.5 lakh, was found. The department said there were labelling deficiencies and that the products were suspected to be of substandard quality. 

At Mahaveer Dairy in Manchar, inspectors found 49 kg of khoya, 104 kg of paneer and 11 kg of ghee, all suspected to be substandard. 

In Kolhapur, Shivaratna Milk & Milk Agro Product was found with 10 kg of halwa and 198 kg of rabadi suspected to be substandard, while in Jalgaon, approximately 2,155 kg of suspected adulterated sweet halwa was found in two transport vehicles. 

In a separate operation in Jalna, the FDA and police seized banned gutkha and other prohibited food products worth ₹95.30 lakh from Rajur in Bhokardan taluka. Vehicles allegedly used to transport the material, valued at around ₹40 lakh, were also seized, taking the total value of the seizure to ₹1.35 crore. An FIR was registered at Hasanabad Police Station. 

In Beed, another joint operation intercepted a Mahindra Scorpio allegedly carrying banned gutkha. Gutkha worth ₹3.63 lakh and the vehicle, valued at ₹7 lakh, were seized. The FDA said a case under MCOCA was registered against the two persons allegedly involved and the concerned supplier company. 

The FDA has also been conducting awareness programmes for Ganesh mandals and self-help groups involved in preparing modaks and prasad. Five workshops were held for Ganesh mandal representatives, with 320 participants, while another workshop was conducted jointly with the BMC for around 110 self-help groups.

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the department would continue strict enforcement against those selling or storing expired, adulterated or otherwise unsafe food.

“The government is extremely strict regarding the quality of food items and enforcement of the law in Maharashtra. Playing with the health of consumers and the public will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Mundhe said. 

TAGS