FDA cracks down on illegal imported cosmetics, conducts multiple raids in Mumbai and Thane

The operations were carried out on the instructions of Joint Commissioners. PIC VIA RAJENDRA B AKLEKAR

The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) carried out a major crackdown at three locations, two in Mumbai and one in Thane, against shops selling imported cosmetics without registration and valid import licences. Another establishment in Thane was booked for violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. All seizures were made by FDA Drug Inspectors.

Under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Nishigandha Pashte, raids were conducted at M/s Bera Beauty and M/s Max and More Professional Makeup Store in Mumbai's Crawford Market. Drug Inspectors Hemant Ade and Poonam Salgaokar seized unregistered imported cosmetics worth Rs 2,40,065 and Rs 61,132, respectively. They were assisted by Drug Inspector Rakesh Edlawar and Assistant Commissioner, IB Branch, Jalna.

In Ulhasnagar, Thane, Assistant Commissioner Rohit Rathod oversaw a raid at M/s Beauty Band. Drug Inspector SS Bhujbal seized cosmetics worth Rs 1,32,888 for similar violations. Inspectors from IB branches in Ratnagiri, Ahilyanagar, and Washim assisted in the action.

At another Ulhasnagar outlet, M/s Shri Kasturi Ayurved, FDA officials found an ayurvedic product, "Leuko Lock," with objectionable claims. Drug Inspector Joseph Chiramal seized the product worth Rs 540 under the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act. Further investigation into the manufacturer is underway.

The operations were carried out on the instructions of Joint Commissioners Dr Rahul Khade (Vigilance), V. T. Jadhav (Greater Mumbai), and Bhushan Patil (Thane).

Assistant Commissioners VR Ravi (IB Mumbai), Nishigandha Pashte (Greater Mumbai), and Rohit Rathod (Thane) monitored the raids as part of the apex enforcement team.