10 June,2026 11:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Abhitash Singh
Alongside enforcement measures, the FDA has intensified consumer awareness through its "Food Safety on Wheels" initiative. Pic/Special Arrangement
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a major statewide enforcement drive targeting unsafe food products, unhygienic manufacturing units and banned tobacco products. The operation has led to the seizure of food and contraband worth more than Rs 1.65 crore, the arrest of nine individuals and the closure of several establishments across the state.
As part of the campaign, FDA officials raided Gupta Chana Bhandar in Mulund West, Mumbai, where inspectors allegedly found serious hygiene lapses and food products being sold without mandatory labelling information.
The officials seized 114.2 kilograms of food items worth approximately Rs 8,290, including pani puri ingredients, sev, roasted chana, puffed rice and coloured green peas. Samples have been sent for laboratory testing.
The FDA also issued a Stop Business Notice, ordering the immediate closure of the premises until sanitation issues are rectified and the facility is properly disinfected.
In a parallel operation conducted on June 9, the FDA carried out 28 coordinated raids in Mumbai, Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Amravati and Nagpur divisions.
The raids resulted in the seizure of banned gutkha and pan masala products valued at Rs 1.01 crore.
Key outcomes
- Nine people arrested
- Six establishments sealed
- Two transport vehicles seized
- FIRs registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Food Safety and Standards Act
Major seizures included:
- Rs 29 lakh worth of banned products in Jalgaon
- Rs 1.69 lakh seizure in Ahilyanagar
- Rs 3.58 lakh seizure in Dharashiv
The FDA also expanded inspections targeting adulterated, substandard and misbranded food products.
Across 19 establishments, officials seized 24,389 kilograms of suspect food items worth Rs 64.05 lakh.
Notable Seizures
In Nagpur: 7,408 kilograms of betel nut worth Rs 26 lakh seized on suspicion of being unsafe and substandard.
Nashik: More than 334 litres of cow ghee worth over Rs 2 lakh confiscated over suspected adulteration.
Ahilyanagar: 143 kilograms of pedha valued at Rs 57,200 destroyed after being found in unsanitary manufacturing conditions and suspected of being misbranded.
Alongside enforcement measures, the FDA has intensified consumer awareness through its "Food Safety on Wheels" initiative running from June 1 to June 15 across Mumbai.
The mobile laboratory programme has already tested 69 food samples at markets, public places and educational institutions.
Officials are demonstrating simple methods to identify adulteration in milk products, cooking oils and spices.
The campaign also educates food vendors on hygiene standards, food handling practices and packaging regulations.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe reiterated the department's commitment to eliminating unsafe food practices and illegal tobacco networks.
He warned that any assault or obstruction of food safety officers during inspections would invite strict legal action.
Joint Commissioner (Food) Mahesh Chaudhary urged citizens to report suspected food adulteration through FoSCOS portal, Food Safety Connect app and toll-free helpline: 1800-222-365.
