Maharashtra FDA cracks down on spice adulteration, bans loose spice powder sales under new order

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration FDA on Thursday issued a strict food safety compliance order for the production processing storage transportation and sale of spices directing food businesses across the state to prevent adulteration prohibit unauthorised colours and ensure proper labelling and hygieneThe order issued by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe IAS makes compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and applicable regulations mandatory for all food business operators FBOs involved in the spice tradeThe Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration FDA under Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has issued a statewide order tightening safety rules for spice production and sale The order prohibits loose unpacked spice powders banned colours such as Metanil Yellow and Rhodamine B and the use of ethylene oxide for sterilisation It also mandates proper labelling hygienic production and valid FSSAI licences for businesses The rules cover manufacturers traders retailers online sellers hotels and caterers Violations can lead to seizures product recalls licence suspension or cancellation fines and imprisonment depending on the offencemdash Mid Day mid_day October 15 2026The FDA said the measures aim to ensure that consumers have access to safe adulterationfree and goodquality spices Businesses found violating the rules could face seizure of products suspension or cancellation of licences product recalls and prosecution depending on the nature and severity of the offenceMaharashtra FDA order covers manufacturers retailers and online sellersThe order applies to a wide range of spices including turmeric chilli coriander cumin black pepper cinnamon clove cardamom asafoetida saffron and poppy seeds as well as mixed spices garam masala curry powder and other spicebased productsIt covers manufacturers traders wholesalers retailers ecommerce operators hotels eateries caterers and institutional kitchens involved in cleaning drying grinding blending packing repacking storing transporting or selling spicesThe FDA has emphasised that responsibility for food safety extends across the entire supply chain from the original producer to the final sellerBan on prohibited colours and adulterants in spicesThe FDA has prohibited the use of unauthorised colours and harmful substances such as Metanil Yellow Rhodamine B Sudan dyes and Lead Chromate in spicesAction will also be taken against businesses found mixing brick powder chalk sawdust foreign starch or other unauthorised substances into spices to increase their weight or quantity Blending inferiorquality spices or selling spices from which extracts have already been removed will also attract actionThe order aims to prevent practices that could put consumers health at risk and ensure that spices meet applicable food safety standardsHygiene rules for spice production and storageSpices must not be dried on public roads tarred surfaces drains near garbage bins or close to cattle sheds according to the orderProduction and storage premises must be clean dry free from pests and protected against contamination Storing pesticides industrial colours chemicals or other harmful substances alongside spices is prohibitedFood handlers must maintain personal hygiene undergo medical fitness checks and receive the necessary training Businesses must also implement a Food Safety Management SystemThe FDA has clarified that every food business operator must hold a valid Food Safety and Standards Authority of India FSSAI licence or registration as applicable A trade licence alone is not sufficient to manufacture or grind spicesLoose spice powder sales to face restrictionsThe order states that the sale of spice powders and mixed spices in loose unpacked form must be prohibited under the relevant regulations to reduce the risk of adulteration and contaminationSpice products must be properly packed and sealed at the place of production before distribution and sale the FDA saidPackaged spices must carry the product name ingredients manufacturers details FSSAI licence number batch number date of manufacture or packing and the useby or bestbefore date along with other mandatory statutory informationThe order also prohibits false or unsubstantiated claims about a products purity naturalness organic status or health benefits that could mislead consumersEthylene oxide prohibited for spice sterilisationThe FDA has strictly prohibited the use of ethylene oxide for sterilising spices citing concerns about its potential carcinogenic effectsBusinesses must use only legally permitted sterilisation processes Spices will also be tested for pesticide residues aflatoxins heavy metals and other contaminants in accordance with applicable standardsFDA to trace adulteration to the original producerUnder the new directions enforcement action will not be limited to retailers selling adulterated spices Authorities will trace the supply chain to identify the original producer grinding and blending units repackaging businesses suppliers and those responsible for supplying prohibited colours or adulterantsOfficials will examine purchase and sales invoices production records batch numbers and whether the quantity of raw materials matches the finished product The FDA may coordinate with the police and other competent agencies wherever necessaryMaharashtra FDA lists penalties for food safety violationsThe order outlines penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 depending on the violation and its consequencesUnsafe food causing death Section 591 Imprisonment of at least seven years extendable to life imprisonment and a fine of at least Rs 10 lakhUnsafe food causing grievous injury Section 592 Imprisonment of up to six years and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakhUnsafe food causing nongrievous injury Section 593 Imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of up to Rs 3 lakhOperating without a valid licence Section 63 Imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakhSubstandard food Section 51 Fine of up to Rs 5 lakhMisbranded food Section 52 Fine of up to Rs 3 lakhMisleading advertisements or false claims Section 53 Fine of up to Rs 10 lakhDepending on the nature and gravity of the violation authorities may seize food products stop sales order recalls suspend or cancel licences and initiate court proceedingsFood safety officers directed to conduct inspectionsThe FDA has directed all Joint Commissioners Food Assistant Commissioners Food Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers across Maharashtra to conduct inspections and ensure compliance among spice businessesDetails of inspections samples collected and enforcement action must be recorded in the FoSCoS and FoSCoRIS systems Designated Officers must submit consolidated reports to the Divisional Joint Commissioner by the third day of the following month while Joint Commissioners must submit their reports to the Commissioners office by the fifthHow to complain about adulterated spices in MaharashtraConsumers who suspect spice adulteration the use of prohibited colours unhygienic production incorrect labelling or suspicious sales can lodge complaints through the following channelsMaharashtra FDA complaint portal httpscomplaintsmahafdainMaharashtra FDA tollfree helpline 1800 222 365FSSAI helpline 1800 112 100Mobile app Food Safety ConnectIn person Office of the concerned Assistant Commissioner FoodThe complaint portal accepts complaints in Marathi Hindi and English and allows users to track their status onlineConsumers should provide the product name manufacturers details batch number purchase bill and available photographs when filing a complaintTukaram Mundhe warns food businesses against compromising consumer safetyFood Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said food business operators who compromise citizens health would be held accountable under the lawHe said the administration would focus on identifying the source of adulteration examining the entire supply chain and taking legal action against those responsible rather than limiting enforcement to the final sellerThe FDA has directed all food business operators dealing in spices to comply with the applicable provisions of the order immediately