Diwali Food Safety Drive: IAS Tukaram Mundhe Warns Against Adulterated Sweets as Maharashtra FDA Seizes Unsafe Food Worth ₹64.45 Crore
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe urges consumers to check sweets and dairy products before Diwali. The department seized 398 tonnes of unsafe food worth ₹64.45 crore during inspections.
With Diwali approaching and demand for sweets, dairy products and other festive delicacies witnessing a seasonal surge, Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner and 2005-batch IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe has urged consumers to remain vigilant while purchasing food items. He has advised people to prioritise freshness, examine product labels and packaging, and avoid sweets containing suspiciously bright colours or questionable ingredients.
The advisory comes amid an intensified food safety enforcement campaign across Maharashtra. Between September 1 and November 3, the FDA inspected 9,667 food establishments, collected 8,835 samples for laboratory testing and initiated action against businesses found violating food safety regulations.
According to figures shared by Mundhe, the department seized 398 tonnes of adulterated or unsafe food products valued at approximately ₹64.45 crore during the inspection drive. Additionally, 4,603 businesses were penalised for regulatory violations, while 954 commercial licences were suspended.
The Commissioner reiterated that safeguarding public health remains a priority, particularly during the festive season when increased consumption and demand can create opportunities for food adulteration and other violations.
Maharashtra FDA’s Enforcement Drive: Key Statistics
The state-wide enforcement campaign reflects the scale of the FDA’s efforts to monitor food quality and ensure compliance with prescribed safety standards.The department reported the following figures for the period between September 1 and November 3:
9,667 food establishments inspected.
8,835 food samples collected for laboratory examination.
4,603 businesses penalised for regulatory violations.
398 tonnes of adulterated or unsafe food products seized.
₹64.45 crore worth of food products seized.
954 commercial licences suspended.
The enforcement drive has covered food businesses across the state, with particular attention to products that witness increased demand during the festive period.
Buy Only Two to Three Days’ Worth of Sweets, Advises FDA Commissioner
With sweets and khoya-based products forming an important part of Diwali celebrations, Mundhe has advised consumers against purchasing excessive quantities that may require prolonged storage.
He recommended buying sweets according to immediate consumption requirements, preferably limiting purchases to what can be consumed within the next two to three days. Consumers have also been cautioned against purchasing khoya-based sweets that have remained on display in shops for more than two to three days.
The FDA has issued several additional recommendations to help consumers make safer purchasing decisions:
Purchase sweets and dairy products only from recognised establishments displaying valid FDA licences. Check manufacturing and expiry dates on packaged sweets, khoya, chocolates, cakes and gift hampers. Carefully examine product labels and packaging before making purchases.
Avoid unlabelled, expired or suspicious food products. Refrain from buying sweets and other food items displaying unusually bright or artificial-looking colours.
The Commissioner has stressed that consumers should exercise particular caution when purchasing products that are inadequately labelled or whose quality and freshness cannot be established.
How to Distinguish Genuine Silver Foil from Aluminium Foil on Sweets?
Addressing concerns over the decorative silver and gold foils commonly used on festive sweets, Mundhe highlighted the importance of checking the material used for decoration.
He explained a simple method that consumers can use to distinguish genuine silver foil from aluminium foil. According to the suggested test, consumers can take a small piece of decorative foil and rub it between their fingers or against their palm.
Genuine silver foil is expected to disintegrate completely when rubbed, whereas aluminium foil does not behave in the same manner and may instead fold or form a small layer. The Commissioner also warned that vendors using aluminium foil as a substitute for silver foil on sweets would face strict legal action.
Packaged Milk Recommended Over Loose Milk
The FDA Commissioner has also advised consumers to prefer packaged milk over loose or raw milk, with the objective of reducing the risk of consuming adulterated dairy products. He further emphasised that the department would maintain a zero-tolerance approach towards the adulteration of ghee and edible oils with animal fat or chemicals.
Restaurants, roadside eateries and food vendors have also been instructed against repeatedly using the same cooking oil for frying. Repeated use of cooking oil is a food safety concern, and the FDA’s advisory seeks to reinforce responsible food preparation practices among commercial establishments.
Consumers Urged to Report Suspected Food Adulteration
Mundhe has appealed to consumers to actively cooperate with the administration in ensuring that food products available in the market meet prescribed safety standards. People have been encouraged to report suspicious products and suspected violations involving:
Milk and other dairy products.
Ghee and edible oils.
Sweets and khoya-based preparations.
Namkeen and other packaged food products.
The FDA has urged consumers to promptly bring suspected cases of adulteration or food quality violations to the department’s attention so that appropriate investigations and legal action can follow.
Consumer Awareness Crucial for a Safe Diwali
The Maharashtra FDA’s intensified enforcement campaign and the Commissioner’s public advisory underline the importance of food safety during the festive season. While regulatory inspections and punitive action are essential to deter adulteration, consumer awareness also plays a significant role in identifying questionable products and encouraging responsible purchasing practices.
With 398 tonnes of unsafe food products worth ₹64.45 crore seized during the reported inspection period, the department’s findings highlight the scale of food safety concerns that authorities are seeking to address.
Mundhe has urged citizens to remain cautious, purchase food products from authorised establishments and avoid compromising on quality while preparing for Diwali celebrations.
The broader message from the FDA is clear: festive celebrations should not come at the expense of public health, and ensuring food safety requires vigilance from both businesses and consumers.
