Mumbai, October 23 — In a major crackdown on food safety violations, Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized approximately 35.547 tonnes of food stock worth an estimated Rs 79.97 lakh (yaani roughly Rs 80 lakh) during a special statewide inspection drive aimed at curbing the sale and distribution of potentially unsafe food products and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, IANS reported.

Source: IANS via hi INDiA

The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division witnessed the largest seizure during the drive, with officials confiscating 32.639 tonnes of food stock from five locations. The seized goods were valued at more than Rs 65.80 lakh, making it the most significant action of the special inspection campaign, officials said.

In another major operation, the FDA's Nashik division seized 2,908 kilograms of spices and ajwain (carom seeds) from two locations, with the confiscated stock estimated at Rs 14.16 lakh. An official said the seizure underlines the department's focus on inspecting food products widely used in everyday cooking and ensuring they meet prescribed quality and safety standards.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, the FDA suspended the licences of two food establishments after inspections revealed unhygienic conditions and violations of applicable rules. Officials said the action is meant to hold food business operators accountable for maintaining proper hygiene and adhering to mandatory food safety requirements.

Officials said the statewide inspection drive forms part of the FDA's broader efforts to strengthen food safety enforcement and prevent the sale of substandard or potentially unsafe food products, protecting consumers from health risks associated with unsafe food handling, storage and distribution. The department has warned manufacturers, traders and food business operators that violations of food safety standards will invite regulatory action, The World Opinion reported.

Source: The World Opinion