THE Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration inspected 3,137 hotels, restaurants, eateries and other establishments between May 25 and July 31, leading to seizure or destruction of unsafe food products weighing 28.66 lakh kg valued at Rs 55.72 crore. The FDA suspended licences of 165 establishments during the crackdown, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said. He denied allegations of “selective action” raised by some hotel owners. Mundhe said out of the 165 licence suspension cases, the FDA has received 103 appeals and granted interim relief in eligible cases. He said the FDA has also intensified its crackdown on prohibited food products, detecting gutka and pan masala valued at Rs 15.11 crore at 658 outlets. “The FDA inspected 3,137 food establishments during May 25 and July 31. We issued 764 improvement notices and suspended licences of 165 establishments after due process.

 

Food products weighing 28.66 lakh kg, valued at Rs 55.72 crore, were seized or destroyed,” Mundhe told reporters here. Speaking on the FDA’s crackdown on prohibited food products, Mundhe said the department registered 519 FIRs, arrested 701 people, sealed 407 establishments and confiscated 78 vehicles during the period. According to the FDA commissioner, the inspections covered 487 milk establishments, where 218 improvement notices were issued, 33 licences suspended and 11 FIRs registered. In the milk products segment, the FDA inspected 476 establishments, issued 196 improvement notices, suspended 16 licences and filed two FIRs. The commissioner said the FDA inspected 890 hotels, restaurants and eateries, issued 329 improvement notices and suspended licences of 116 establishments. It also inspected 608 establishments dealing with other food products and seized items valued at around Rs 36 crore, he added. Clarifying that suspension of a licence does not amount to permanent closure of an establishment, Mundhe said the FDA conducts hearings before revoking the suspension after compliance with food safety norms. “Out of the 165 licence suspension cases, we have received 103 appeals.

 

Interim relief has been granted in eligible cases after verification of compliance, allowing them to resume operations. Every Tuesday I conduct hearings, and if minor deficiencies remain, fresh hearings are held before a final order is passed,” he said. He added orders have been reserved in 38 cases, while 35 cases remain pending. Mundhe said the enforcement drive had led to a marked improvement in hygiene standards at food establishments. “We record photographs and videos before and after compliance to verify improvements. The facilities at many establishments have improved drastically,” he said. The commissioner said the FDA was focusing on “Empowerment, Enabling and Enforcement” by strengthening public participation through a toll-free helpline, an online portal and direct interaction with citizens while ensuring strict implementation of food safety regulations. Responding to criticism from some hotel operators, Mundhe denied allegations of selective action.

 

“We have not given selective or VIP treatment to any establishment. Out of 890 hotels, restaurants and eateries inspected, only 329 were issued improvement notices and 116 faced licence suspension. It is incorrect to suggest that the FDA only suspends licences. Around 20 per cent of the inspected establishments faced strict action,” he said. Mundhe said every establishment receiving an improvement notice is given 15 days to rectify deficiencies. “The State Government’s only concern is that people should not consume unsafe food or drugs. We have photographic and video evidence of every inspection. If any establishment approaches the court, it is their legal right and we will respond accordingly. The law empowers designated officers to suspend licences only where they believe unsafe food poses a grave danger,” he added.