# Maharashtra FDA Seizes ₹63.45 Crore in Substandard Food Stock Statewide enforcement drive targets festive season food safety violations and illegal storage practices. - **Source:** [The Hindu – National](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c4a229a1-e946-4a86-94b8-3b4850741214 ## Statewide Enforcement Drive The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration conducted a massive inspection drive between September 1 and November 3, 2026. Officials inspected 9,667 establishments across the state to ensure compliance with safety regulations. This initiative resulted in the seizure of 3,098.46 metric tonnes of food stock valued at approximately ₹63.45 crore. ## Festive Season Crackdown A targeted Diwali special drive occurred from October 15 to November 3, focusing on high-demand items. During this specific period, authorities inspected 3,332 establishments and seized ₹44.37 crore worth of goods. These efforts aimed to curb the sale of substandard products during the peak festive shopping season in Maharashtra. ## Regulatory Actions Taken The FDA suspended 954 food licenses and registrations throughout the statewide operation. Additionally, officials issued 4,603 improvement notices to businesses failing to meet safety standards. Cancellation proceedings were initiated against 25 entities, reflecting a firm stance against persistent violations in manufacturing, storage, transportation, and retail food service sectors. ## Regional Seizure Distribution The Konkan division recorded the highest seizure value at ₹21.17 crore, followed by Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar at ₹12.37 crore. Pune and Nashik also saw significant enforcement activity, with seizures totaling ₹10.39 crore and ₹10.27 crore respectively. In contrast, Greater Mumbai saw 1,504 inspections resulting in approximately ₹1.01 crore worth of seized stock. ## High-Risk Food Categories Spices, salt, and condiments topped the list of seized items with a value of ₹21.09 crore. Edible oils followed closely at ₹16.31 crore, while milk products like ghee and khava accounted for ₹7.63 crore. Dry fruits were also a primary focus, with ₹7.47 crore worth of stock confiscated by officials. ## Adulteration Prevention Strategy Authorities specifically monitored the transportation of khava and mawa from other states to prevent adulteration. Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe emphasized that regulations apply equally to big brands and small retailers. The department aims to protect public health by ensuring that all food products meet mandatory safety standards during high-demand periods. ## Consumer Safety Guidance The FDA advised citizens to purchase food only from licensed establishments and verify expiry dates. Consumers are encouraged to check for food safety registration numbers and report any signs of spoilage or adulteration. Reports can be submitted via the toll-free helpline 18002223365 or the department's official online grievance portal. ## Long-term Regulatory Impact This enforcement drive highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining food safety standards in a large, decentralized market. By targeting the entire supply chain, including warehouses and online sales, the FDA seeks to foster a culture of compliance. Future efforts will likely continue focusing on inter-state logistics to mitigate health risks. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/festive-season-crackdown-maharashtra-fda-seizes-food-stock-worth-6345-crore/article71671201.ece — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._