FDA conducts 12,083 inspections in three months, seizes food worth Rs 67.20 crore

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stepped up scrutiny of establishments that make and sell food, to ensure citizens get good quality and safe food. Between June and August 2026, a total of 12,083 inspections were carried out across the state. During the drive, 5,269 establishments were sent improvement notices, while 603 licences were suspended. The FDA said the overall action led to the seizure of food stock worth around Rs 67.20 crore.

The FDA carried out 1,803 inspections at hotels, restaurants, dhabas and clubs. Of these, 948 establishments were issued notices and the licences of 199 establishments were suspended. The administration said the inspections found violations of Schedule-4 rules under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Lapses found included a lack of clean water and drainage arrangements, failure to maintain the cold chain, improperly maintained refrigerator temperatures, and cockroach infestation. At some places, staff were found handling food in unhygienic ways, and there were gaps in their medical check-ups and training. The inspections also found raw chicken kept in open containers and cut vegetables not sealed properly, raising the risk of cross-contamination. At many places, records of drinking water tests as well as staff medical examinations, vaccinations, FoSTaC training and laboratory tests were not available.

A total of 2,766 samples of milk and dairy products and other food items were collected, leading to the seizure of stock worth around Rs 5.40 crore. This category saw 9,485 inspections in all, resulting in 4,321 notices and 404 licence suspensions. Action was taken against 795 establishments over banned substances such as gutkha, pan masala and scented tobacco, resulting in 644 FIRs, 867 arrests, 483 establishments being sealed and 110 vehicles seized. This led to the seizure of stock worth around Rs 19.62 crore. Raids at 696 establishments dealing in edible oil, khoya, ghee, ice cream, bakery products and similar items resulted in the seizure of stock worth Rs 42.17 crore.

Citizens with complaints about food items can contact the FDA on its toll-free number 1800-222-365. Complaints can also be lodged through a multilingual AI-based online grievance redressal system, where they can be classified, escalated and tracked with the concerned officials. The FDA said it will continue regular inspections and strict action to ensure citizens' health is not compromised.