Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has said he will initiate action against officials if allegations of demanding money from food businesses are found to be true. Speaking to mid-day, Mundhe said Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut’s letter did not contain specific details, but said the allegations would be examined. “The letter sent by Sanjay Raut does not carry any specific details. I will look into the matter, and if I find the allegations to be true, action will be initiated against those responsible,” said Tukaram Mundhe, FDA commissioner.

What prompted the response?

Raut, in a three-page letter to Mundhe dated September 26, alleged that some FDA officials were misusing enforcement action against food businesses to demand money. He alleged that Designated Officers (DOs), Assistant Commissioners and Food Safety Officers (FSOs) were threatening hotels, restaurants and quick-commerce businesses with licence suspension and subsequently demanding money for restoration.