The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of 19 food business operators as part of a special drive during the festive season. This action follows the seizure of food items valued at over Rs 9 crore from various establishments across the state. The FDA’s initiative aims to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and maintain hygiene standards in food production and distribution.

Among the suspended operators is a super distributor of Patanjali Ayurved, identified as M/s Divya Mahavitarak, located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The FDA’s statement highlighted that the distributor was implicated in the misbranding and adulteration of food products, particularly Patanjali cow ghee.

The drive resulted in the confiscation of approximately 3.53 lakh kg of food articles from 114 establishments across seven divisions of Maharashtra. The FDA’s efforts reflect a commitment to uphold food safety and protect consumer interests during a period marked by increased food consumption.

Details of the Seized Stock

The FDA reported that the seized stock included 2,279.7 litres of Patanjali cow ghee, valued at Rs 20.20 lakh. This quantity was part of 4,032 units of ghee that were taken due to violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The breakdown of the seized ghee includes 2,998 units, amounting to 1,349.1 litres, valued at Rs 12.29 lakh, and 1,034 units, equating to 930.6 litres, worth Rs 7.91 lakh.

Investigations revealed that the seized products were allegedly in violation of food safety provisions, prompting the FDA to take decisive action. The agency underscored that maintaining food safety and hygiene is paramount, particularly during festive seasons when food consumption typically increases.

In addition to the ghee, the FDA’s operation led to the seizure of 1,44,218 kg of edible oil from Avenue Supermarts Ltd in Bhiwandi, Thane district. Other food articles, including rice, pulses, and jaggery, were also confiscated from Amin Traders in Satara, highlighting widespread concerns regarding food safety across multiple sectors.

Wider Implications of the Drive

The FDA’s crackdown extended beyond individual operators, as it also included inspections of various food establishments. During the campaign, the agency inspected 34 hotels, restaurants, and dhabas in Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Nagpur divisions. As a result, 29 improvement notices were issued due to deficiencies in food safety and hygiene.

Between October 28 and 31, the FDA seized banned food articles worth Rs 79.40 lakh from 17 establishments. The operation resulted in the registration of 13 FIRs, the arrest of 16 individuals, the sealing of seven establishments, and the confiscation of six vehicles. These actions underscore the FDA’s proactive approach to enforcing food safety regulations.

Furthermore, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued show-cause notices to several companies, including Tata 1mg Healthcare Solutions, ACFO Pharmaceuticals, Amazon Seller Services, and Flipkart India. These notices pertain to alleged violations in the labelling and advertising of Tata 1mg Marine Collagen Powder, with companies required to submit explanations within 30 days.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share