Maharashtra FDA Orders Statewide Flour Inspections Over Expired Stock Repackaging and Adulteration Concerns
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has ordered statewide inspections of flour products following reports of expired flour being repackaged and sold in markets. The department has also intensified its food adulteration drive, inspecting more than 1,000 locations and reporting major seizures of cooking oil and spices. Mundhe warned of strict action against violators while assuring traders that unnecessary harassment would not be tolerated.
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Pune, November 2, 2026: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has directed officials to inspect flour products sold across the state following reports that expired flour is being repackaged and returned to the market. The inspection drive will focus on identifying adulterated and expired products, particularly during the festive season.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe announced the decision while speaking at the inauguration of a Diwali snacks sales centre organised by the Poona Merchants’ Chamber in Pune.
The department has received information about suspected irregularities involving packaged flour commonly used to prepare rotis, bhakri and other everyday food items.
FDA Intensifies Action Against Food Adulteration
Mundhe said the FDA has been conducting inspections of food manufacturers, distributors and retailers over the past several months to prevent the sale of adulterated products.
Ahead of Diwali, officials inspected more than 1,000 locations as part of a special drive targeting cooking oil and spices.
According to Mundhe, approximately 28,000 quintals of cooking oil and 18,000 to 20,000 quintals of spices were seized during the inspections.
The department will now extend its scrutiny to flour products amid concerns about expired stock being repackaged and sold to unsuspecting consumers.
Strict Action Against Violators, No Harassment of Traders
The FDA Commissioner clarified that the department's objective is to protect consumers rather than create unnecessary difficulties for legitimate businesses.
However, he warned that manufacturers and traders found violating food safety regulations would face strict action.
Mundhe also urged business owners to report instances where FDA officials allegedly demand money or misuse their authority during inspections.
He assured traders that employees found engaging in misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary action.
At the same time, he emphasised that routine inspections should not automatically be treated as harassment.
Festive Food Products Also Under FDA Watch
With increased demand for sweets, snacks and packaged food products during Diwali, the FDA will also examine festive food items for possible adulteration and violations of safety standards.
Mundhe warned that consuming contaminated or adulterated food could cause serious health complications, including food poisoning and other illnesses.
He stressed that consumers have the right to safe food and that manufacturers and sellers are responsible for maintaining hygiene and product quality.
FDA Appeals to Citizens to Report Suspicious Food Products
Acknowledging the shortage of FDA personnel compared with Maharashtra's population, Mundhe called for greater public participation in identifying food safety violations.
He appealed to citizens to report suspected adulteration and assured them that genuine complaints would be investigated promptly.
The proposed statewide flour inspection drive is expected to focus on product quality, expiry dates, packaging practices and compliance with food safety regulations.