The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raided 472 spice manufacturers, distributors, and traders across the state, seizing “unsafe” spices worth Rs 13.60 crore between October 23 and October 29, to stop adulterated, substandard, and unsafe spices from flooding kitchen shelves ahead of Diwali.

During the drive, food safety officers collected 783 samples and suspended 72 licences over unhygienic conditions and statutory non-compliance under the Food Safety and Standards Act.