Diwali Crackdown: Maharashtra FDA Seizes Spices Worth Rs 19.69 Crore
Maharashtra FDA seizes 11,963 quintals of spices worth Rs 19.69 crore in a massive crackdown to ensure food safety ahead of Diwali.
As Maharashtra gears up for the festive splendor of Diwali, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a massive enforcement drive to protect consumers from substandard and expired food products. In a significant move to ensure food safety, the Maharashtra FDA has seized spices and spice-based products worth Rs 19.69 crore.
Massive Seizure to Protect Festive Health
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe revealed that the department has seized a staggering 11,963 quintals of spices. This action comes at a critical time, as spices are not only daily staples but are the core ingredients used in preparing Diwali faral (traditional festive snacks).
The Commissioner emphasized that the crackdown was necessary to purge the market of unsafe raw materials. According to Mundhe, the festive season often sees a spike in food-borne illnesses, frequently caused by the circulation of expired or substandard food items.
The Scale of the Operation
The FDA's rigorous inspection campaign has yielded the following results so far:
- Total Inspections: 1,057 inspections specifically targeting spices were conducted.
- Licence Suspensions: The licences of 94 establishments have been suspended.
- Improvement Notices: 557 notices have been issued to businesses to rectify their standards.
- Total Seizure: 11,963 quintals of products valued at Rs 19.69 crore.
Currently, the enforcement actions have primarily targeted manufacturing units and large warehouses. However, the FDA has warned that the net will be cast wider, with upcoming inspections scheduled for retail shops and other commercial outlets as the festival draws closer.
MPSC Paper Leak Probe: New Commission Details
In a separate development, Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe also shared updates regarding the commission established to investigate irregularities and paper leaks in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) competitive examinations.
Public Hearings and Evidence Submission
The commission, headed by Justice Dilip Bhosale (former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court), will conduct its inquiry through a series of public hearings. The commission's office is now operational in Room No. 201 at the FDA office located in Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).
The commission is investigating a total of nine examinations and has issued an appeal to the following groups to submit their representations via affidavits by November 16:
- Students and examination candidates.
- Registered organisations.
- Any other concerned persons.
Applicants are required to provide valid identity proof and self-attested copies of all supporting documents. For further coordination, the commission has released a dedicated contact number: 022-20867677. The commission consists of five members, with Tukaram Mundhe serving as the Member Secretary.