Pune FDA Cracks Down on Methanol Firms: 28 Licences Suspended, 15 Cancelled After Inspections
The Pune FDA has suspended 28 methanol licences and cancelled 15 others after inspecting 102 licensed companies across the division. The statewide enforcement drive was launched following the Pune hooch tragedy. Officials clarified that no illegal methanol sales were detected and that the action was mainly linked to documentation and procedural violations.
Pune, October 23, 2026: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against 43 methanol-related businesses in the Pune division, suspending 28 licences and cancelling 15 others following a large-scale inspection drive.
The enforcement action comes in the wake of the Pune hooch tragedy, which prompted authorities to intensify scrutiny of businesses involved in the storage, handling and sale of methanol.
According to FDA officials, all 102 licensed methanol-related companies in the Pune division were inspected as part of a statewide compliance drive.
43 Licences Face Action; No Illegal Methanol Sales Detected
During the inspections, officials identified several violations involving documentation, record maintenance and administrative requirements.
As a result, 28 licences were suspended, while 15 were cancelled.
However, the FDA clarified that no cases of illegal methanol sales were detected during the inspection drive.
Officials stated that the action was primarily related to technical and procedural deficiencies, including incomplete records and issues concerning the appointment of computer personnel.
The department emphasised that the violations identified should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of illegal methanol trading.
Pune Division Under Special Scrutiny
The Pune division has the highest concentration of methanol-related businesses in Maharashtra, making it a major focus of the statewide enforcement campaign.
Following the hooch tragedy, authorities intensified inspections to verify whether licensed companies were complying with existing regulations.
These regulations govern the purchase, sale, storage, handling and documentation of methanol.
FDA officials clarified that the drive focuses on enforcing existing legal requirements rather than introducing new restrictions.
FDA Warns of Further Action Against Violations
The FDA has indicated that inspections and compliance verification will continue across the Pune division.
Businesses dealing with methanol have been directed to maintain proper documentation and comply with applicable storage and handling regulations.
Companies found violating these requirements may face further regulatory action depending on the nature and seriousness of the violations.
The enforcement drive highlights the administration's efforts to strengthen oversight of methanol-related businesses following concerns raised by the hooch tragedy.