Maharashtra FDA seizes 1,190 kg of laddus in Pune raid
The seizure of goods worth approximately Rs 1.73 lakh occurred after officials detected excessive food colouring and unhygienic conditions at a manufacturing unit.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized approximately 1,190 kg of laddus and other goods from a manufacturing unit in Kondhwa, Pune. According to ANI, the raid was conducted following a tip-off and revealed excessive food colouring and a lack of proper hygiene standards.
FDA official Balaji Shinde stated that the seized items, including boondi and laddus, have an estimated value of approximately Rs 1,73,950. Shinde said that samples have been collected and further action is underway.
The action follows a warning issued by Commissioner of Food Safety Tukaram Munde during a Diwali snack distribution event organised by The Poona Merchants Chamber in Pune. Munde emphasised that food colouring in laddus must remain within prescribed standards.
In a separate development on Saturday, the Maharashtra FDA suspended four officials following the Chief Minister's approval. The suspensions involve Joint Commissioner (Food) Digambar Bhogawade, Assistant Commissioner (Food) Yaduraj Dahatonde, and Food Safety Officers Ashok Ilager and C R Swamy.
The officials were suspended over alleged unauthorised raids in Pune and Bhiwandi. The department has also started an inquiry into the conduct of 21 other officials, with more steps to be taken after the investigation concludes.