Maharashtra FDA seizes food stock worth ₹63.45 crore ahead of Diwali
The agency inspected over 9,600 establishments and suspended 954 licences during a two-month enforcement drive across the state.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized 3,098.46 tonnes of food products valued at ₹63.45 crore during a two-month inspection drive conducted between September 1 and November 3, according to reports by Business Standard and The Hindu.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the agency inspected 9,667 food establishments across the state, issued 4,603 improvement notices, and collected 8,835 food samples for testing.
During the enforcement campaign, the agency suspended 954 food licences and registrations and initiated the cancellation of 25 licences.
A special Diwali-specific drive conducted between October 15 and November 3 saw the seizure of 1,886.44 tonnes of food products worth ₹44.37 crore.
The seizures included 895.32 tonnes of salt, spices, and condiments valued at ₹21.09 crore, 171.57 tonnes of milk products worth ₹7.63 crore, and 156.66 tonnes of dry fruits worth ₹7.47 crore.
The inspections covered various sectors including manufacturing units, warehouses, retail shops, hotels, restaurants, and online food platforms. The Konkan division recorded the highest value of seizures at ₹21.17 crore, while the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division reported the highest quantity of seized stock at 800.88 tonnes.