Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has denied reports that he has been transferred, saying he will continue overseeing the department’s enforcement drive against unsafe food, adulterated products and substandard medicines.
Mundhe issued the clarification in a post on X on Monday night after speculation grew about a possible transfer. “No, I have not been transferred from FDA,” he said. “I continue to serve as Commissioner, FDA Maharashtra. Our fight against unsafe, substandard, adulterated food and spurious, substandard drugs goes on.”
The statement confirms that Mundhe remains in charge of the state FDA while its inspections and enforcement actions continue. The department has intensified inspections, raids and regulatory action against eateries and food businesses over alleged violations involving unsafe or adulterated products.
The FDA has also acted against establishments over licensing and compliance issues. These actions have brought greater attention to the regulatory obligations of restaurants, food businesses and other establishments handling products consumed or used by the public.
The enforcement campaign has received support from consumers, who have welcomed the department’s increased focus on food safety and accountability. At the same time, sections of the restaurant and food business industry have opposed measures taken against their establishments. Some enforcement actions have also been challenged in courts, placing aspects of the FDA’s regulatory drive under legal scrutiny.
The uncertainty over Mundhe’s position gained traction after the state government named him secretary of a five-member committee examining alleged paper leaks and irregularities in Maharashtra Public Service Commission examinations. His appointment to the panel followed protests over the functioning of the state recruitment body.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said last week that the committee would examine the tenures of current and former chairpersons and members of the MPSC. The panel has been tasked with investigating allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in examinations conducted by the commission.
Mundhe’s role on the inquiry committee had led to speculation about whether he would continue as FDA commissioner. His clarification indicates that the two responsibilities will proceed alongside each other, while the FDA’s inspections and enforcement actions against unsafe, adulterated and substandard products continue.
