Maharashtra FDA Seizes ₹1.36 Crore Suspected Adulterated Food
Maharashtra FDA Seizes ₹1.36 Crore Suspected Adulterated Food
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Key Points
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The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar seizures were conducted under the FDA’s “Safe Food Safe Maharashtra” campaign, following intelligence from the Mumbai Intelligence Bureau about the movement of questionable dairy-based confectionery from Gujarat to Marathwada.
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The 4,765-kilogram Sambhajinagar seizure was made in three separate bus checks: two Ahmedabad buses yielded 2,079 kilograms and 1,612 kilograms, while a third bus carried another 1,074 kilograms. The first two seizures were valued at Rs 3.6 lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh, respectively.
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The intercepted stock comprised six varieties of sweets, with a condensed-milk analogue accounting for the largest portion at 514 kilograms.
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The Sambhajinagar FDA had already seized 1,121 kilograms of suspicious khoya-based sweets transported from Gujarat the previous week, indicating that the latest action followed an earlier seizure in the same supply route.
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Officials said the seized products were sealed and placed in cold storage to preserve their condition while laboratory testing was conducted; statutory samples were taken from each variety in both operations.
Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration seized about 32,000 kilograms of suspected adulterated food worth ₹1.36 crore during a four-day festival-season crackdown from September 17 to 20, according to NDTV. Officials inspected 64 food establishments, suspended 12 licenses, and issued improvement notices to 36 others across the state.
In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, teams intercepted 4,765 kilograms of suspected substandard sweets and khoya products being transported on tourist buses from Gujarat, valued at ₹7.6 lakh. The raids were part of the FDA's 'Safe Food Safe Maharashtra' campaign following intelligence about questionable dairy-based confectionery moving through the region.
Seized Products Include Khoya, Ghee, and Turmeric Powder
The statewide seizure targeted a wide range of food items commonly consumed during festivals. Confiscated goods included khoya, mawa, sweets, ghee, edible oil, dried fruits, jaggery, and dairy products, according to NDTV. Officials also seized 1,868 kilograms of suspected substandard turmeric powder, a staple in Indian kitchens.
All samples were sent for laboratory testing to confirm adulteration or contamination. The seized goods were secured and stored pending test results to determine whether the products violated food safety standards.
Three Tourist Buses Stopped Carrying Questionable Sweets
FDA teams conducted surprise checks on three buses traveling from Ahmedabad to Maharashtra. The first bus yielded 2,079 kilograms of suspicious sweets valued at ₹3.6 lakh. The second bus carried 1,612 kilograms worth ₹2.5 lakh. A third vehicle held an additional 1,074 kilograms of similar products.
The intercepted stock contained six varieties of sweets, with a condensed-milk substitute making up the largest portion at 514 kilograms. NDTV reported that authorities took statutory samples from each product variety for laboratory analysis.
Sambhajinagar Supply Route Under Closer Watch After Earlier Seizure
The latest bus seizures were not the first enforcement action on this route. Just one week earlier, the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar FDA had already seized 1,121 kilograms of suspicious khoya-based sweets transported from Gujarat. The repeated interceptions suggest a pattern of illicit trade.
The seizures followed intelligence from the Mumbai Intelligence Bureau about the movement of questionable dairy products through Marathwada. Officials have now increased vigilance on buses traveling this route during the festival season when demand for sweets is highest.
License Suspensions and Improvement Notices Issued Statewide
Beyond seizures, the FDA took enforcement action against 48 food businesses across Maharashtra. Twelve establishments had their food licenses suspended due to serious violations. Another 36 received improvement notices requiring them to fix hygiene and safety problems within a set timeframe.
The statewide crackdown underscores the FDA's focus on food safety during peak shopping seasons. Festival periods see higher food consumption, making strict oversight critical to protect public health and prevent adulterated products from reaching consumers.
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