FDA Cracks Down in Pune Division: Action Against Gutkha, Adulterated Milk, Kulfi and Edible Oil

Pune: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stepped up its food safety enforcement across the Pune Division, launching a series of raids against businesses involved in selling banned gutkha, adulterated milk, substandard kulfi, edible oil, and other unsafe food products. The drive is being carried out under the "Safe Food, Safe Drug, Safe Maharashtra" initiative led by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.

According to the FDA, inspection teams conducted surprise checks at multiple establishments across Pune and nearby districts. During the raids, officials seized suspected adulterated food products, collected samples for laboratory analysis, and initiated legal action wherever food safety violations were detected. Banned gutkha and pan masala products were also confiscated, with criminal cases registered against those allegedly involved in their sale.

The department also targeted suspected adulterated milk, kulfi, edible oil, spices, bakery products, frozen desserts, and other food items. Several samples have been sent for laboratory testing, while perishable products suspected to be unsafe were destroyed to prevent them from reaching consumers.

Officials said the inspections are part of a broader effort to improve food safety standards and protect public health. Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has warned that businesses found violating the Food Safety and Standards Act or selling adulterated and prohibited products will face strict legal action. The FDA has also urged citizens to report food adulteration and unhygienic practices through its complaint mechanism.

The department has reiterated that similar enforcement drives will continue across Maharashtra to ensure safer food for consumers and to curb the sale of adulterated and unsafe products.