Maharashtra FDA suspends licenses of 105 firms in pre-Diwali food safety crackdown

In a special food safety crackdown on November 4 and 5, the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) suspended the licenses of 105 firms and canceled the licenses of seven eateries across the state. Among those affected were quick-commerce companies Blink Commerce and Zepto, both of which had their licenses suspended. In Mumbai alone, 28 eateries faced license suspensions, and one establishment, Rajdhani Biryani Centre, had its license canceled.

The FDA seized a significant quantity of food products, totaling 39,485 kg, valued at ₹1.35 crore, from over 69 establishments. Inspections revealed various violations, including issues related to hygiene, food storage, manufacturing practices, and missing food-handler medical and training records. Notably, the stock of Jetharam Chuniram Puniya in Malad was seized for manufacturing food products without a license and selling them without proper labeling. Additionally, 44 kilos of boondi laddus and kalakand from Jamnagari Sweets and Farsan in Vile Parle were confiscated due to the alleged use of excessive food coloring.

Despite prior warnings issued by the FDA to sweet vendors and manufacturers regarding compliance with food safety regulations ahead of the Diwali festival, violations persisted. FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe emphasized that the agency serves as a protective shield for citizens against unsafe food and that there would be no compromise on food quality or public health, regardless of a business's size or reputation.