The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra conducted a special food safety campaign across the state on November 4 and 5, ahead of Diwali. During this period, licenses of 105 businessmen were suspended and licenses of 7 food hotels and restaurants were cancelled. The department seized 39,485 kg of food items worth about Rs 1.35 crore from more than 69 establishments.
Licenses of 28 food establishments were suspended in Mumbai. The license of Rajdhani Biryani Center was cancelled. The licenses of quick commerce companies Blink Commerce and Zepto were also suspended. About 2,396.6 kg of food items worth Rs 13.87 lakh were seized in Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
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On what basis has this action been taken?
According to a Hindustan Times report, the FDA's investigation revealed violations of rules related to cleanliness, storage of food items, manufacturing methods and licensing. At many places, medical and training records of food employees were also not found. The stock of the owner Jetharam Chuniram Punia of Malad was confiscated. They are accused of manufacturing unlicensed food products and selling them without proper labels.
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44 kg of Bundi laddus and kalakand were seized from Jamnagari Sweets and Farsan of Vile Parle. He is accused of using too much food colour. Before Diwali, FDA had given a clear warning to sweet sellers and manufacturers to follow the rules. Despite this, violations were found. The department says that it will now continue taking action regarding food safety before all major festivals.
What did Tukaram Mundhe say?
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said that FDA is the protection shield of citizens against unsafe food. He said that regardless of the size or name of the business, there will be no compromise on food quality and public health.