Maharashtra FDA seizes food articles worth over Rs 9 crore
The agency suspended 19 licences and seized 3.53 lakh kg of food products during a festive-season drive across seven divisions.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized approximately 3.53 lakh kg of food products valued at Rs 9.01 crore during a special festive-season campaign, according to Moneycontrol.
The drive, which covered 114 establishments across seven divisions, resulted in the suspension of licences for 19 food business operators. These included manufacturing units for spices, sweets, and namkeen in the Mumbai, Amravati, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisions.
The FDA reported seizing 2,279.7 litres of Patanjali cow ghee, valued at Rs 20.20 lakh, from M/s Divya Mahavitarak in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The agency stated the stock, which was held by a Patanjali Ayurved super distributor, was suspected of adulteration and misbranding.
Other seizures included 1,44,218 kg of edible oil from Avenue Supermarts Ltd in Bhiwandi and 20,560 kg of various food items from Amin Traders in Satara. In the Pune division, edible oil was also taken from Swati Oil Mills in Satara and S G Traders in Solapur.
Between October 28 and 31, the agency seized banned food items worth Rs 79.40 lakh from 17 establishments. This period saw 13 FIRs registered, 16 people arrested, seven establishments sealed, and six vehicles seized.
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 labelling and advertising of Tata 1mg Marine Collagen Powder. These companies must provide explanations within 30 days.