Stock worth more than ₹1.5 Crore of pan masala, gutkha, and adulterated food products seized

Statewide campaign by FDA
102 people arrested; 86 establishments shut down
Toll-free number published for lodging complaints regarding the quality of food products

Mumbai – In a 7-day statewide crackdown against banned pan masala, gutkha, and adulterated food products, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized stock worth ₹1,58,28,677 and arrested 102 individuals. Action was taken against a total of 203 establishments, and 86 establishments were ordered to shut down. (It would be difficult to believe that no one was aware of these establishments. Will action also be taken against those responsible for allowing them to operate? – Editor)

Under the FDA’s initiative “Safe Food, Safe Drug, Safe Maharashtra,” a special statewide campaign was conducted against food adulteration, unhygienic food makers, and food businesses violating regulations. The adulterated products seized included mangoes, boondi laddus, khoya, bakery products, candies, milk and dairy products, jaggery, edible oils, ghee, dates, ice cream, kulfi, frozen desserts, spices, peanut chikki, as well as substances used for food adulteration.

Citizens have a fundamental right to receive pure and safe food. Tukaram Mundhe, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), warned that even stricter action will be taken in the future against the production and sale of adulterated, substandard, or prohibited food products. Citizens who have concerns about the quality of food products have been urged to contact the FDA. For this purpose, the administration has developed a complaint registration application.

Citizens may contact the FDA through:

Toll-Free Number: 1800 222 365
Email: [email protected]

While filing a complaint, citizens are requested to provide their name, address, contact number, the exact address of the concerned establishment, and details regarding the suspected adulteration or violation.