The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized over 95 tonnes of food items and 172 litres of milk, valued at approximately Rs 4.45 crore, during inspections carried out across various locations in the state over the last two days. These inspections took place in Ahilyanagar, Pune, Nashik, and Buldhana as part of a targeted initiative aimed at ensuring the availability of safe and hygienic food in the lead-up to the festive season.

Seizures in Ahilyanagar and Pune

In Ahilyanagar, officials executed a raid at a cold storage facility, resulting in the seizure of 75,368.8 kg of pasteurised unsalted cooking butter branded as “Madurama Creamy Delight”. This shipment, which is estimated to be worth Rs 3.95 crore, allegedly exhibited substandard quality and labelling deficiencies. Samples were subsequently dispatched for laboratory testing, and the stock has been sealed pending the results.

Meanwhile, in Pune, FDA officials intercepted two vehicles transporting adulterated milk products, including paneer, khoya, and curd, in an effort to protect consumers as the festive season approaches, beginning with Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14. It was found that these milk products were being transported in vehicles lacking appropriate temperature controls, raising concerns over their safety. The paneer being sourced from Karnataka was transported without the necessary invoices for purchase or sale, while some items were stored in unsealed polythene bags with inadequate labelling.

The inspections in Pune led to the collection of 24 samples from the first vehicle, alongside the seizure of 7,362.5 kg of various food items, valued at Rs 17.15 lakh. The second vehicle was also inspected, resulting in further collection of 12 samples and a seizure of 6,081 kg of paneer, worth Rs 14.55 lakh. Additionally, 33 lots of khoya were identified during an inspection at K B Agarwal in Pune’s Budhwar Peth, which were stored for sale without source details. The FDA collected samples and seized 4,627 kg of khoya valued at Rs 11.56 lakh, which was later destroyed at Hadapsar with the food business operator’s consent.

Further Actions in Nashik and Buldhana

In Nashik, officials intercepted another vehicle and seized 1,955 kg of barfi imported from Gujarat, valued at Rs 5.58 lakh, after collecting 10 samples for analysis. This seizure further exemplifies the FDA’s commitment to monitoring food safety standards across the state.

In Buldhana, the FDA inspected a milk collection centre operated by the Marathwada Milk Producers’ Association located in Yerli, Nandura taluka. Multiple violations were discovered, including a lack of proper registration, deficient infrastructure for milk collection, incomplete stainless-steel equipment, and failure to maintain the necessary temperature controls. Records related to milk suppliers, pest control, medical fitness, and water testing were also absent. During this inspection, officials seized 139 litres of cow milk and 33 litres of buffalo milk valued at Rs 7,863. The perishable milk was destroyed due to these serious deficiencies.

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has emphasised that the department is rigorously monitoring food quality throughout Maharashtra. He has issued a warning that stringent actions will be taken against any individuals or organisations that compromise public health. The FDA plans to maintain its vigilant efforts against adulterated and misbranded food products as the festive season progresses.

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