Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration has intensified its fight against food adulteration and hygiene violations with a series of high-profile actions. After inspecting several iconic restaurants and popular eateries, the FDA has now imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, sale and distribution of unstandardised analogue paneer across the state. The back-to-back crackdowns have been spearheaded by Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. He stated that they have a motive, that is to protect consumers and inculcate an “Eat Right” culture in the food served across Maharashtra.
Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, has undertaken one of the state’s most sweeping food safety enforcement drives, targeting even Mumbai’s most iconic food establishments. Surprise inspections at renowned eateries and institutions uncovered grave hygiene lapses, food safety violations and regulatory irregularities, reinforcing the FDA’s message that legacy and popularity will not shield businesses from strict enforcement.
Among the prominent establishments that came under FDA scrutiny were MIG Cricket Club, Juhu Club, K. Rustom & Co., Parsi Dairy Farm, and Radio Club, along with other well-known restaurants and gymkhanas. Inspections reportedly revealed unhygienic food handling practices, poor sanitation, pest infestation, improper storage of food items and other violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act. In several cases, licences were suspended until compliance was ensured, sending shockwaves across Mumbai’s hospitality industry and underscoring the regulator’s zero-tolerance approach towards food safety. The latest and perhaps the most far-reaching measure is the Maharashtra government’s one-year statewide ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of unstandardised analogue paneer.
The FDA said the decision was prompted by concerns over consumer deception and potential public health risks arising from non-dairy substitutes being sold as genuine paneer. Violators face stringent action, including fines, imprisonment and seizure of stock under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration has intensified its fight against food adulteration and hygiene violations with a series of high-profile actions. After inspecting several iconic restaurants and popular eateries, the FDA has now imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, sale and distribution of unstandardised analogue paneer across the state.
The back-to-back crackdowns have been spearheaded by Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. He stated that they have a motive, that is to protect consumers and inculcate an “Eat Right” culture in the food served across Maharashtra. The timing of the crackdown is significant, with the festive season approaching when the consumption of dairy products and sweets witnesses a sharp surge across Maharashtra. By tightening surveillance on food establishments and eliminating unstandardised analogue paneer from the market, the FDA aims to curb adulteration, ensure safer food for consumers and strengthen public confidence in the state’s food supply during one of the busiest seasons for the food industry
