Maharashtra FDA Seizes ₹4.77 Crore in Banned Products
The Maharashtra FDA has intensified its crackdown on unlicensed food businesses, seizing goods worth ₹4.77 crore across multiple operations.
Over 2.49 lakh kg of soybean oil valued at ₹3.51 crore seized in Buldhana.
Banned gutkha and tobacco worth ₹1.26 crore confiscated in operations from Palghar to Kasara.
FDA urges public to report food quality issues via its toll-free number.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a significant enforcement initiative targeting unlicensed food businesses and the transport of prohibited products. In a series of operations across Buldhana, Palghar, and Thane, the FDA has confiscated items valued at over ₹4.77 crore.
One of the notable operations took place on September 28 in Khamgaon, Buldhana, where FDA officials conducted an unannounced inspection at M/s Am Oels Private Limited. They discovered nearly 2.49 lakh kg of loose refined soybean oil, estimated to be worth ₹3.51 crore. The FDA suspects that the business was operating without a valid food license and storing substandard products. Samples of the oil have been sent for laboratory testing, and further legal actions will depend on the results of this analysis.
In a separate operation, the FDA intercepted a truck transporting banned gutkha and scented tobacco from Gujarat to Bhiwandi. This operation commenced early on September 28, with officials monitoring the Palghar area. At around 7:04 AM, they stopped a truck after it passed the Charoti toll plaza, seizing gutkha valued at ₹50.05 lakh. A second truck was also intercepted later that day, carrying additional banned products worth approximately ₹56.58 lakh. Both trucks combined were valued at around ₹41 lakh.
These enforcement actions reflect the Maharashtra FDA's commitment to ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and licensing requirements. The agency has called on consumers to report any concerns regarding food quality or malpractice through its toll-free number, 1800-222-365, or via the Food and Drug Grievance Portal. Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe emphasized that the FDA will continue to pursue establishments that violate food safety laws.
Looking ahead, the FDA plans to maintain its rigorous inspections and enforcement efforts, ensuring that food businesses adhere to safety and licensing standards. The agency's proactive stance aims to protect consumers and uphold food quality across Maharashtra.
