Maharashtra FDA seizes food stock worth Rs 63.45 crore
The enforcement drive conducted between September 1 and November 3 included a special campaign for the Diwali festive period.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized food stock valued at Rs 63.45 crore during an enforcement drive conducted between September 1 and November 3, according to Urban Acres and Business Standard.
The broader operation involved inspecting 9,667 establishments, collecting 8,835 food samples, and suspending 954 licences and registrations. During this period, the agency also initiated proceedings to cancel 25 licences.
A specific Diwali food safety drive held between October 15 and November 3 saw the seizure of 1,886.44 metric tonnes of food stock worth Rs 44.37 crore. This targeted campaign covered 3,332 establishments and resulted in 1,501 improvement notices and 326 suspended licences.
In the wider campaign, salt, spices, and condiments worth Rs 21.09 crore were seized, alongside 92.511 metric tonnes of edible oil valued at Rs 16.31 crore. Other seized items included milk products worth Rs 7.63 crore and dry fruits worth Rs 7.47 crore.
In Mumbai, the department conducted 1,037 inspections during the special drive, issuing 583 improvement notices and suspending 76 licences. The Konkan division recorded the highest value of seizures during the Diwali drive at Rs 17.68 crore.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe stated that the administration intends to protect public health by taking strict action against those who endanger it while supporting honest businesses.