Maharashtra FDA intensifies food safety checks ahead of Diwali
Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said inspections will target packaged flour, cooking oil, spices and snacks across the state to prevent adulteration.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is increasing inspections of spices, cooking oil, packaged flour and Diwali snacks, according to a report by Urban Acres. Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe announced the intensified checks at an event in Pune on Sunday.
Mundhe said the department directed officials to inspect flour used for poli and bhakri after receiving information that expired packaged flour was being sold. He stated that the department has already detected several cases of adulteration in spices and edible oil, seizing 20,000 quintals of spices and 28,000 quintals of oil.
The commissioner noted that the FDA established a standard operating procedure for the festive period and started enforcement 21 days before the event. Inspections will cover wholesalers, retailers, dealers and semi-dealers throughout the state.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Poona Merchants Chamber’s laddoo and chivda sales centre, Mundhe said the goal is to take action against violations rather than harass traders. He asked businesses to provide evidence if officials demand money or cause undue trouble, but noted that a routine inspection is not evidence of wrongdoing.
Mundhe acknowledged that the department lacks sufficient staff for the state's population, leading to a reliance on public complaints and targeted checks. He urged residents to report suspected adulteration to ensure access to safe food.
The next phase of the campaign will focus on festive snacks and packaged flour, while checks on oil and spices continue.