Pune Records Highest Number of Unhygienic Food Complaints in Maharashtra, Says FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe
Pune has recorded the highest number of complaints related to unhygienic food in Maharashtra since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched its online complaint portal. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the new system has significantly improved transparency and accountability in food safety enforcement.
Pune: Pune district has recorded the highest number of complaints related to unhygienic food in Maharashtra since the launch of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) online complaint portal, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters during a food safety conference organised by the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), Mundhe said the recently launched portal, complaints.mahafda.in, enables citizens to report complaints related to food safety and hygiene.
According to the commissioner, the digital platform is designed to improve transparency and accountability in the food safety complaint mechanism. Under the system, the FDA's Joint Commissioner of the concerned region must acknowledge a complaint within 24 hours and assign it to an officer for further action.
If the complaint is not acted upon within the prescribed time, it is automatically escalated to a senior official.Mundhe said the portal received an overwhelming response after its launch, recording thousands of complaints and nearly 10 lakh website visits within the first 24 hours.
He also revealed that the FDA is exploring the use of blockchain technology to maintain records of food businesses that have previously faced regulatory action, with the aim of strengthening monitoring and enforcement.
Sharing complaint trends across the state, Mundhe said Pune tops Maharashtra in food safety complaints, with the majority related to unhygienic food preparation and handling. He urged hotels, restaurants, bakeries, and other food businesses to strictly comply with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations and implement all prescribed food safety management systems.
Since taking charge as FDA Commissioner in May, Mundhe has intensified inspections across Maharashtra. The FDA has conducted surprise checks at several hotels, restaurants, dairies, and roadside eateries.
Recently, the department suspended the licences of Parsi Dairy Farm in Mumbai and the canteen at KEM Hospital after inspections revealed serious food safety and hygiene violations. The agency has stated that strict enforcement will continue to ensure safe and hygienic food for consumers across the state.