Maharashtra FDA to increase food inspections ahead of Diwali
The department will monitor packaged flour, edible oil, spices and snacks following reports of expired flour being sold.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered increased inspections of packaged flour, edible oil, spices and Diwali snacks across the state, according to Urban Acres. The move follows reports that expired flour was being sold during the festive season.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the department received information regarding the sale of expired flour used for making poli and bhakri. He stated that the inspections aim to prevent adulteration and rule violations rather than to harass traders.
Mundhe, a 2005-batch IAS officer, noted that the department has already seized 28,000 quintals of oil and nearly 20,000 quintals of spices. He said cases of adulteration had been detected in spices and edible oil.
The enforcement will cover wholesalers, retailers, dealers and semi-dealers, with Pune highlighted as a location for activity. The commissioner also addressed complaints from trader organisations and Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut regarding officials troubling businesses.
Mundhe said traders should provide evidence if an officer demands money, but warned that complaints should not be filed simply because an inspection occurred. He noted that the department lacks sufficient staff for the state's population and asked residents to report suspected adulteration.
The FDA has issued standard operating procedures for the festive period. The department plans to inspect Diwali snacks in the coming days as part of its continued checks on the food supply chain.