Pre-holiday crackdown: Maharashtra FDA seizes food stocks worth ₹63.45 crore

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe warned that violations of food safety regulations will require strict action. | Photo credit: PTI

Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has seized food stocks worth ₹63.45 crore and suspended 954 food licenses and registrations during a statewide enforcement drive between September 1 and November 3, officials said on Thursday (Nov 5, 2026).

According to a press release issued by the FDA, officials inspected 9,667 food establishments across Maharashtra, issued 4,603 improvement notices and initiated action to cancel 25 licenses and registrations. They also took 8,835 food samples and seized 3,098.46 metric tons of food stocks.

As part of wider enforcement, a special Diwali drive that took place between October 15 and November 3 saw 3,332 establishments inspected, 326 licenses and registrations suspended and cancellation proceedings initiated against 15 others. During this period, officials seized 1,886.44 metric tonnes of food worth ₹44.37 crore and collected 3,864 samples. These figures are included in the total holiday ride.

Konkan division accounted for the highest seizure value during the total drive at ₹21.17 crore, followed by Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar at ₹12.37 crore, Pune at ₹10.39 crore and Nashik at ₹10.27 crore. In Greater Mumbai, officials inspected 1,504 establishments, suspended 142 licenses and registrations and seized food stocks worth around ₹1.01 crore.

Among food categories, salt, spices and condiments had the highest value seized at ₹21.09 crore, followed by edible oils at ₹16.31 crore, dairy products including ghee and khava at ₹7.63 crore and dry fruits at ₹7.47 crore.

The FDA said the action affected food manufacturing, storage, transportation, retail stores, hotels, restaurants, online food sales, and quick-service warehouses. Special attention was given to sweets, dairy products, edible oils and dry fruits due to increased demand during the festive season.

Officials have also been ordered to monitor shipments of khava and mawa from other states amid fears of adulteration, improper storage and sale of substandard food products.

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe warned that violations of food safety regulations will require strict action.

“Big brand or small, the rules are the same for all and enforcement will be equally strict,” Mr Mundhe said.

He added that the department’s goal was not to harass food businesses, but to promote compliance and protect public health.

The FDA also urged consumers to buy food from licensed facilities, check expiration dates and food safety registration numbers, and avoid products showing signs of adulteration or spoilage.

Citizens can report suspected food adulteration or other violations through FDA’s toll-free helpline 18002223365 or its online complaint portal.

Published – November 6, 2026 03:17 IST