Maharashtra FDA issues order to curb sale of expired food items
The department has mandated that companies provide proof of proper disposal and certificates of destruction for spoiled or returned food products.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an order to prevent the selling and repackaging of expired and spoiled food items, according to The Hindu.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said during a press conference on Friday, October 30, 2026, that some agents are repacking goods that were supposedly destroyed on paper and selling them to citizens.
Mr. Mundhe stated that in some instances, production dates are being manipulated. The department has also cited deficiencies such as insect infestations, improper storage, and the use of burnt cooking oil during inspections.
Under the new order, companies must provide proof of proper disposal for expired or returned food. Businesses are required to obtain a certificate of destruction from disposal companies registered with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.
Recent operations across the state have resulted in the seizure of adulterated food worth ₹5 crore. In Bhiwandi, stocks worth ₹80,000 and ₹26 lakh were seized from Gulzar Nagar, with further crackdowns in Vadpe, Padgha, and Ambarnath.
So far, ten operations have been conducted, leading to accusations against 32 people, including company owners. The department has also issued 22 compliance orders for sectors including hotels, dairy, and edible oils.