Maharashtra FDA intensifies food safety checks ahead of Diwali
Authorities are expanding inspections across the state following reports that expired packaged flour is being sold for festive cooking.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra will increase food safety inspections across the state before Diwali, according to a report by Urban Acres. The move follows reports that expired packaged flour is being sold for making festive items like bhakri and poli.
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said in Pune on Sunday that officials have been directed to inspect flour at retail, wholesale, dealer, and semi-dealer levels. He stated that the department began its festive enforcement drive 21 days ago and has issued standard operating procedures for these inspections.
Mundhe said the inspections aim to identify food adulteration and safety violations rather than to harass traders. He warned that strict action would be taken against those selling products that violate safety rules or involve adulteration.
The FDA has already seized approximately 28,000 quintals of cooking oil and nearly 20,000 quintals of spices during recent enforcement actions. The department has also identified instances of adulteration in edible oil and spices.
Addressing allegations from Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and some traders' organisations that officials were unnecessarily troubling businesses, Mundhe said traders should submit evidence if they are being asked for money or harassed without reason. He noted that a simple inspection visit should not be a cause for complaint.
The commissioner, a 2005-batch IAS officer, acknowledged that the FDA lacks sufficient staff relative to the state's population. He appealed to residents to report suspected adulteration as the department focuses on inspecting packaged flour and festive snacks.