IAS Tukaram Mundhe is a ‘rockstar’: Maharashtra FDA Commissioner shares NYT article on his journey | Today’s news
IAS Tukaram Mundhe shared a New York Times article about his recent advocacy. The FDA commissioner in Maharashtra wrote on X: “Good governance is not about making headlines. It’s about making a difference. Food safety is ultimately about protecting people, upholding standards and building public confidence.”
“When enforcement is fair, fearless and consistent, institutions gain credibility and citizens begin to believe that the system works. The New York Times captures one such story from Maharashtra,” he added while sharing the article.
What the NYT wrote
A New York Times article calls Tukaram Mundhe a “rock star”. It was about a morning haul at Olympia Coffee House, a popular restaurant in Mumbai.
Food safety officials, accompanied by a NYT reporter, entered the kitchen and checked tandoori ovens and butter expiration dates. They found many problems.
One employee was chopping ginger on the floor. Another ready chapattis in shorts. Before long, a group of cockroaches ran around the oil canister.
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The inspection found a number of violations. The century-old canteen has been ordered to close. The operation was headed by Tukaram Mundhe, Maharashtra’s new food and drug chief. His zero-tolerance campaign against dirty kitchens and careless manufacturers captured the Indian imagination.
No trade seems to escape his attention, the NYT reports in an article. His staff inspected well-known places such as Olympia and street vendors. Government canteens, fancy restaurants and chains like McDonald’s are also inspected.
Later that day, the team arrived at a food flavoring and baking ingredient factory. Found mango puree a year past its expiration date. Some bottles were mislabeled. That business was also told to suspend operations.
The publication says Mundhe’s office is sharing videos of the raids with the media. It made the 51-year-old career bureaucrat an unlikely celebrity.
Read also | Tukaram Mundhe in action! Maharashtra FDA cancels Cipla’s license to sell drugs in Pune
Bollywood actors praise him, says NYT. Worried restaurant owners come to his office to beg. Critics say he is “overzealous”, while fans describe him as a “modern day saint”. Diners show Mundhe’s photo to restaurants as a warning to ensure quality.
According to Mundhe, he wants people to be aware of food safety. He says keeping the public healthy is his job, the NYT adds.
Reaction on social networks
Social media users reacted after Mundhe shared the New York Times article.
“Also, any plans to check out cloud kitchens? Most people today order food online with little knowledge of how and where it’s prepared,” wrote one user.
Read also | Tukaram Mundhe on a mission: Mandatory ‘Breast milk is best’ warning.
“You are really a hero to us but the priorities of other IAS officers are based on how much money they can earn as bribes, how much equipment they can use themselves and how much property they can build. Otherwise, if they also behave like you sir, we won’t be forced to live in hell,” another user commented.
One user wrote: “We citizens are proud of you.”
“More power to you sir. I hope we have many more officers like you,” chimed in another.
