Maharashtra FDA seizes sweets worth Rs 45 lakh during inspections
The food regulator arrested two people and registered three FIRs during a three-day drive ahead of Diwali.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized food products valued at Rs 45 lakh and arrested two people during a three-day inspection drive across the state, according to Urban Acres.
In Mumbai, officials intercepted a luxury bus in Chembur and seized 4,002 kg of halwa and other sweets. The FDA stated the items, worth Rs 11.11 lakh, were allegedly being moved in unhygienic conditions without temperature control.
The department also seized prohibited food items worth Rs 11.55 lakh in the Nashik and Konkan divisions. Across six divisions, including Pune and Nagpur, officials confiscated stock worth Rs 22.34 lakh, comprising dry fruits, edible oil, sweets, and farsan.
During the operation, the FDA suspended five establishment licences in the Buldhana, Akola, Washim, and Yavatmal districts. The agency also registered three FIRs, sealed two establishments, and seized two vehicles used for transporting prohibited food.
Inspectors reported finding issues such as improper labelling, sanitary norm violations, and substandard food preparation. Six samples have been sent to a laboratory for testing to check for potential adulteration.
The FDA said that subsequent legal steps will be taken once the laboratory results are received.