The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stepped up enforcement against suspected unlicensed and substandard food businesses and the transportation of banned food products, seizing material worth more than ₹4.77 crore in separate operations in Buldhana, Palghar and Thane.
The actions include the seizure of nearly 2.49 lakh kg of loose refined soybean oil valued at ₹3.51 crore from a business in Khamgaon, Buldhana, and banned gutkha and scented tobacco worth ₹1.26 crore following an operation that stretched from Palghar to Kasara.
On September 28, the FDA's Buldhana division conducted a surprise inspection at the premises of M/s Am Oels Private Limited in the Khamgaon Industrial Area, MIDC.
According to the FDA, samples of loose refined soybean oil stored at the premises were collected for laboratory analysis.
The establishment was suspected of operating a food business without a valid food licence and storing stock suspected to be substandard, the FDA said.
Officials seized a total of 2,48,845.400 kg of refined soybean oil, with an approximate value of ₹3.51 crore.
Samples have been sent for laboratory analysis. The FDA said further legal action will be taken on the basis of the laboratory report and the investigation into the alleged operation without a valid licence.
In a separate operation, the FDA acted on a tip-off about the transportation of banned gutkha and scented tobacco from Gujarat towards Bhiwandi.
The operation began early on September 28, when an FDA squad lay in wait in the Palghar area.
At around 7.04 am, officials intercepted a truck bearing registration number MH 43 Y 7911 after it crossed the Charoti toll plaza.
A search of the vehicle allegedly yielded banned gutkha worth ₹50.05 lakh. The vehicle itself was valued at approximately ₹20 lakh. A case was registered at Kasa police station.
The FDA then received information that another vehicle travelling some distance behind the first truck had made a U-turn at Achad Naka in Palghar and was heading back towards Gujarat. A second squad was immediately dispatched towards Kasara. At approximately 12.45 pm, officials intercepted the second truck near Kasara police station in Thane district.
The FDA said the truck was carrying banned food products and that investigators also found two different fake number plates in addition to the vehicle's original registration number. Banned gutkha and scented tobacco worth approximately ₹56.58 lakh were seized from the truck.
The seized material included flavoured Vimal Pan Masala, V-01 scented tobacco and other products. The Eicher truck was valued at approximately ₹21 lakh.
The two operations together resulted in the seizure of banned food products worth ₹1.26 crore, while the two trucks were valued at around ₹41 lakh.
The latest actions come as the Maharashtra FDA intensifies enforcement against food businesses suspected of violating licensing, quality and food-safety requirements.
The FDA has urged consumers to report complaints relating to food quality or malpractice through its toll-free number 1800-222-365 or through the Food and Drug Grievance Portal.
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the department would continue taking action against establishments found selling or storing unlicensed or substandard food products.
