Maharashtra FDA suspends 19 food licences in festive season drive
The agency seized food articles worth over Rs 9 crore from 114 establishments across seven divisions of the state.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the licences of 19 food business operators and seized food items valued at more than Rs 9 crore during a special festive-season campaign, according to the Deccan Herald.
The crackdown involved 114 establishments across seven divisions of Maharashtra, where officials confiscated approximately 3.53 lakh kg of food products.
In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the FDA seized 2,279.7 litres of Patanjali cow ghee from M/s Divya Mahavitarak, a super distributor for Patanjali Ayurved. The agency stated the stock, valued at Rs 20.20 lakh, was suspected of adulteration and misbranding.
The suspensions affected various namkeen, spice, and sweetmeat manufacturing units in the Mumbai, Amravati, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisions. The FDA cited hygiene deficiencies, improper food storage, and a lack of pest control as reasons for the action.
Other seizures included 1,44,218 kg of edible oil from Avenue Supermarts Ltd in Bhiwandi and 20,560 kg of food items from Amin Traders in Satara. Between October 28 and 31, the agency also seized banned food articles worth Rs 79.40 lakh from 17 establishments.
Additionally, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued show-cause notices to Tata 1mg Healthcare Solutions, ACFO Pharmaceuticals, Amazon Seller Services, and Flipkart India regarding the labelling of Tata 1mg Marine Collagen Powder. These companies must provide explanations within 30 days.