Maharashtra FDA suspends four officers over hookah manufacturer raids
Four senior officials face suspension and 28 others face departmental inquiries following procedural lapses during raids on tobacco companies.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended four senior officers on Friday following raids on two hookah tobacco manufacturers conducted without establishing jurisdictional authority, according to a Hindustan Times report.
The suspensions involve Joint Commissioner Digambar Bhogawade, Assistant Commissioner Yaduraj Dahatonde, and Food Safety Officers Ashok Ilagor and C R Swami. The FDA also initiated departmental inquiries against 28 other officials.
The disciplinary action follows raids on High Street Impex LLP in Bhiwandi in December 2025 and Soex India Private Limited in Maval in January 2026. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) later clarified that the flavoured hookah products did not qualify as food under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The state government had to release the seized goods and offer an unconditional apology to the Bombay High Court after the companies challenged the FDA's actions.
Suspension orders issued by FDA Under-secretary Ajit Jagtap noted that the officers failed to seek a clear opinion from the FSSAI regarding product classification. The orders stated the officers did not adequately examine jurisdiction, label declarations, or the intended use of the products.
FDA Secretary Sanjay Khandare confirmed the suspensions and inquiries, which followed recommendations from Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. The orders noted that the episode tarnished the state government's image.