04 June,2026 07:21 PM IST | Pune | Archana Dahiwal
FDA teams carried out inspections and raids across Pune, Satara, Sangli, Solapur and Kolhapur districts. Pic/Special Arrangement
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Pune Division, has seized adulterated and suspected food products worth Rs 31.73 lakh during a large-scale enforcement drive conducted across several districts of Maharashtra, officials said.
In a parallel operation against banned food products, officials seized prohibited items worth Rs 5.45 lakh, registered criminal cases against 14 individuals and made arrests under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The action was carried out on June 1 and 2 under the statewide campaign, "Safe Food, Safe Medicines, Safe Maharashtra", launched by Maharashtra Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.
FDA teams carried out inspections and raids across Pune, Satara, Sangli, Solapur and Kolhapur districts under the supervision of Assistant Commissioners (Food) and senior officials.
According to Pune Division Joint Commissioner (Food) D. V. Bhogawade, the department has intensified action against food adulteration and illegal food businesses to safeguard public health.
One of the largest seizures took place in Satara district, where FDA officials raided M/s Dhanvantari Distributors Pvt. Ltd. at Godoli.
During the inspection, authorities seized stocks of Protirich-W Herbal Health Drink, Chocolate Compound and Sea Buckthorn Juice worth Rs 21.40 lakh over suspected food safety violations.
In Pune district, officials raided M/s Praj Traders at Market Yard and seized refined soybean oil and RBD palmolein oil valued at Rs 5.34 lakh.
At Maharashtra Milk Dairy in Keshavnagar, Chinchwad, FDA officers seized Cheese Analogue products worth Rs 27,600.
Further inspections at Vithumauli Dairy in Vadgaon Sheri led to the seizure of suspected adulterated cow ghee and paneer worth around Rs 15,000.
Another raid at Shivdatt Dairy in Kharadi resulted in the seizure of paneer worth more than Rs 1.73 lakh.
In Kolhapur district, officials seized refined cottonseed oil and filtered groundnut oil worth Rs 92,000 from M/s Banchhode Brothers Oil Mill.
A separate raid at M/s Ramgopal Bhawarlal Soni in Ichalkaranji led to the seizure of refined soybean oil worth Rs 97,600 on suspicion of adulteration.
Meanwhile, FDA officials seized analogue supari worth Rs 8,880 from M/s Hidansh Industries in Dharangutti, Shirrol taluka, after detecting alleged misbranding and labelling violations.
Alongside the food adulteration drive, FDA teams targeted businesses allegedly dealing in prohibited food products.
Inspections at 14 establishments resulted in the seizure of banned items worth Rs 5.45 lakh and the registration of criminal cases against those involved.
In Pune's Baner area, raids at Shambho Pan Shop and Jai Malhar Pan Shop resulted in the seizure of prohibited food products worth over Rs 7,500.
In Hinjewadi Phase-I, officials inspected five establishments and seized banned products worth around Rs 25,000.
In Indapur taluka, FDA officials seized prohibited food products worth Rs 1.07 lakh and confiscated a transport vehicle valued at Rs 1.50 lakh that was allegedly being used to transport the banned goods.
In Solapur district, a raid at Baba Pan Shop in Akluj led to the seizure of prohibited products worth Rs 1.16 lakh along with a gutkha-manufacturing machine.
Another operation at Trimurti Pan Shop in Barshi taluka resulted in the seizure of banned products worth more than Rs 13,000.
In Satara city, officials seized prohibited food products worth Rs 30,600 during a raid at Buwa Pan Shop in Sadar Bazar.
In Sangli district, inspections at A.K. Pan Shop and Balaji Pan Shop led to the seizure of banned products worth approximately Rs 28,000.
Joint Commissioner D. V. Bhogawade said the FDA will continue strict action against manufacturers, distributors, transporters and sellers involved in adulterated and banned food products.
He urged citizens to report information related to food adulteration or illegal food sales through the FDA's toll-free helpline, 1800-222-365.
Officials said protecting consumer health remains a top priority and warned that strict legal action will continue against those violating food safety laws.
