11 June,2026 07:49 PM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash Singh
The crackdown covered major regions including Mumbai, Konkan, Pune, Nashik and Nagpur. Pic/Special Arrangement
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has carried out a large-scale coordinated crackdown across Maharashtra, seizing adulterated and banned food products worth more than Rs 3.95 crore. The statewide operation also led to the arrest of 21 people and the sealing of 17 establishments.
The action was conducted on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, as part of an intensified food safety drive.
The raids were carried out under the FDA's ongoing campaign titled "Safe Food, Safe Drug, Safe Maharashtra", following instructions from FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.
Officials said the operation targeted illegal manufacturing, storage, transport and distribution networks involved in banned tobacco products such as gutka and pan masala, as well as adulterated food items.
The crackdown covered major regions including Mumbai, Konkan, Pune, Nashik and Nagpur.
During the coordinated raids, officials inspected multiple locations and identified violations at 21 sites. A total of 17 premises were sealed immediately.
The officials also seized banned gutka worth Rs 1.44 lakh and confiscated a transport vehicle valued at Rs 2.5 lakh in the Konkan region.
Police have registered FIRs under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Food Safety and Standards Act against the accused individuals.
Mumbai: Three establishments were raided, leading to three arrests and sealing of all premises.
Konkan Division: The largest action was reported in Konkan, with 13 raids resulting in 14 arrests and 11 sealed establishments.
Pune: One raid led to one arrest and sealing of one establishment.
Nashik: Two locations were inspected, resulting in one arrest and sealing of two premises.
Nagpur: Two entities were targeted, leading to two arrests.
Apart from tobacco products, the FDA also seized over 1,07,000 kilograms of adulterated and unsafe food materials valued at approximately Rs 3.94 crore.
In Solapur, officials intercepted over 73,494 kilograms of suspected substandard coloured betel nuts (supari), valued at more than Rs 3 crore.
In Dhule, a vehicle carrying 24,500 kilograms of adulterated betel nuts worth over Rs 73 lakh was stopped. The consignment was reportedly being transported from Karnataka to Delhi.
In Andheri, Mumbai, officials seized 917 kilograms of unlabelled and artificially coloured tea powder worth over Rs 2 lakh.
FDA officials also inspected 13 food business units and confiscated items such as edible oil, milk, dairy products, ghee, mawa, peda, drinking water and jaggery.
Pune recorded the highest seizure volume at over 77,286 kilograms, followed by Nashik with 29,247 kilograms and Greater Mumbai with 958.4 kilograms.
All seized samples have been sent to laboratories for chemical analysis.
Mahesh Choudhary, Joint Commissioner (Food), FDA Headquarters, urged citizens to report any suspected food adulteration or unsafe practices.
He said complaints can be filed through the FOSCOS portal, the Food Safety Connect mobile application, or a toll-free helpline at 1800-222-365.
He added that citizens should provide full details, including location and nature of the complaint, to enable swift action by authorities.
