30 July,2026 09:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Samples have been sent for laboratory testing, with further legal action to follow based on the results. Representational pic
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized adulterated milk, dairy products, banned gutkha, pan masala, and other substandard food items worth Rs 1.03 crore during a statewide enforcement drive conducted under its 'Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra' campaign between Wednesday and Thursday. The operation, carried out under the guidance of Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, covered multiple districts and targeted food adulteration, banned tobacco products, and food safety violations.
During the two-day drive, the FDA seized 2,862 litres of milk and 373.85 kg of dairy products worth Rs 2.90 lakh. It also confiscated 36,593.13 kg of food items, including arecanut, soy products, edible oil, namkeen, and toddy, valued at Rs 1.02 crore. Authorities registered nine first information reports (FIRs), arrested 10 persons, and seized banned gutkha, pan masala, and scented tobacco worth Rs 45,354.
The FDA carried out 22 raids across Maharashtra and inspected 41 hotels, restaurants, and dhabas. Improvement notices were issued to 21 establishments, while the licences of three food businesses were suspended for violating food safety and hygiene norms.
In Palghar, the FDA seized 1,308 litres of suspected substandard pasteurised milk and 248 kg of paneer worth Rs 1.75 lakh from M/s Kaushal Corporation in Vasai East. The perishable products were destroyed after seizure, while samples were sent to an authorised laboratory for analysis. Another 198 litres of suspected substandard pasteurised milk worth Rs 9,900 was seized from a tanker belonging to M/s Arya Enterprises in Diva, Thane.
In Mumbai, officials confiscated 78 kg of medium-fat paneer worth Rs 22,760 from Modern Milk Products in Goregaon West on suspicion of being substandard. In neighbouring Raigad, the FDA seized 998 litres of raw cow milk worth Rs 49,900 from Mateshwari Milk in Kharghar, Panvel. Samples have been sent for laboratory testing, with further legal action to follow based on the results.
In Pune, M/s Sanchita Foods in Junnar was found operating without a valid FSSAI registration, with labelling violations and non-edible chemicals stored in the food production area. Authorities seized 47.85 kg of malai kulfi worth Rs 19,140. In Sangli, 358 litres of raw cow milk worth Rs 13,224 was confiscated from Jadhav Milk Collection Centre for being stored in unhygienic plastic containers without maintaining the mandatory cold chain.
The FDA suspended the FSSAI registration of Jef Caters in Palghar after inspectors found violations of hygiene, sanitation and food handling norms under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations.
Similarly, the licence of Hotel Laxman in Pune's Erandwane was suspended after inspectors found serious deficiencies related to cleanliness, food handling and overall sanitation.
The department also referred to the recent suspension of the food business licence of Park Inn by Radisson (M/s Lotus Pond Hotel Pvt. Ltd.), stating that the Bombay High Court had appreciated the FDA's enforcement efforts while permitting restoration of the licence only after substantial compliance with food safety standards. The court clarified that the department remains free to take fresh action if future violations are detected.
The biggest seizure during the drive was reported from Nagpur, where officials confiscated 30,098 kg of suspected substandard arecanut worth Rs 90.29 lakh from Vinayaka Trading Company in Kamptee.
In another operation in Nagpur, the FDA seized 2,092 kg of soy products, semolina and pasta worth Rs 1.01 lakh from Shri Tridev Products on suspicion of being substandard.
In Ahilyanagar, authorities seized 77.28 kg of food supplements worth Rs 5.60 lakh from Arambh Wellness Marketing Pvt. Ltd. for suspected misbranding and manufacturing without a valid FSSAI licence.
The FDA also confiscated 699 litres/kg of edible oil worth Rs 1.26 lakh from two establishments in Kolhapur over labelling violations, sale of loose edible oil and use of reused containers. In Nandurbar, officials seized 38 litres of suspected substandard toddy worth Rs 2,280.
As part of the campaign, the FDA intensified action against the sale and distribution of banned gutkha, pan masala and scented tobacco. Across Maharashtra, the department registered nine FIRs, arrested 10 persons and seized banned products worth Rs 45,354 during the operation.
Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the administration would continue to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards food adulteration and the sale of prohibited food products.
"The administration has a strict policy on food quality and enforcement. Playing with public health will not be tolerated. Safe and pure food is the right of every citizen, and stringent action against offenders will continue," he said.
The FDA has urged citizens to report suspected food adulteration or food safety violations through the FoSCoS portal, the Food Safety Connect app, the toll-free helpline 1800-222-365, or the Maharashtra FDA's online grievance portal.
