Festive season crackdown: Maharashtra FDA seizes food stock worth ₹63.45 crore

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe warned that violations of food safety regulations would attract stringent action.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized food stock worth ₹63.45 crore and suspended 954 food licences and registrations during a statewide enforcement drive conducted between September 1 and November 3, officials said on Thursday (November 5, 2026).

According to a press note issued by the FDA, officials inspected 9,667 food establishments across Maharashtra, issued 4,603 improvement notices and initiated action to cancel 25 licences and registrations. They also collected 8,835 food samples and seized 3,098.46 metric tonnes of food stock.

As part of the broader enforcement exercise, a Diwali special drive conducted between October 15 and November 3 saw inspections at 3,332 establishments, suspension of 326 licences and registrations, and initiation of cancellation proceedings against 15 others. During this period, officials seized 1,886.44 metric tonnes of food stock worth ₹44.37 crore and collected 3,864 samples. These figures are included in the overall festive season drive.

The Konkan division accounted for the highest value of seizures during the overall drive, at ₹21.17 crore, followed by Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar at ₹12.37 crore, Pune at ₹10.39 crore and Nashik at ₹10.27 crore. In Greater Mumbai, officials inspected 1,504 establishments, suspended 142 licences and registrations, and seized food stock worth approximately ₹1.01 crore.

Among food categories, salt, spices and condiments accounted for the highest seizure value at ₹21.09 crore, followed by edible oils at ₹16.31 crore, milk products including ghee and khava at ₹7.63 crore, and dry fruits at ₹7.47 crore.

The FDA said the drive covered food manufacturing, storage, transportation, retail outlets, hotels, restaurants, online food sales and quick-commerce warehouses. Special attention was given to sweets, dairy products, edible oils and dry fruits because of increased demand during the festive season.

Officials were also directed to monitor the transportation of khava and mawa from other States amid concerns over adulteration, improper storage and the sale of substandard food products.

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe warned that violations of food safety regulations would attract stringent action.

“Big brand or small, the rules are the same for all, and enforcement will be equally stringent,” Mr. Mundhe said.

He added that the department’s objective was not to harass food businesses but to promote compliance and protect public health.

The FDA also urged consumers to purchase food from licensed establishments, check expiry dates and food safety registration numbers, and avoid products showing signs of adulteration or spoilage.

Citizens can report suspected food adulteration or other violations through the FDA’s toll-free helpline, 18002223365, or its online grievance portal.