The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized prohibited gutkha worth ₹12.10 lakh in Nagpur and suspended the licences of 14 hotels, restaurants and food establishments across the state during a special food-safety campaign ahead of the festive season.
The action, led by IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe, also resulted in the arrest of three people and the seizure of two vehicles in the Nagpur division, according to information released by the FDA. The department said the campaign is aimed at checking food quality, hygiene and consumer safety across Maharashtra.
During the statewide drive, FDA teams seized 2,813 kilograms of milk and dairy products valued at more than ₹7.38 lakh. Officials also seized 2,580.7 kilograms of food products, including dairy items, areca nut and snacks, valued at ₹4.66 lakh, along with 12.5 litres of toddy.
The FDA inspected 27 hotels, restaurants, roadside eateries and other food establishments. Fourteen licences were suspended with immediate effect after inspectors found violations of food-safety and hygiene rules. The department issued improvement notices to 13 other establishments.
In Mumbai, the FDA took action against seven establishments. The food licence of Olympia Coffee House in Colaba was suspended with immediate effect following a consumer complaint received under the ‘Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra’ campaign. The action was recorded after an inspection conducted on September 16, 2026.
The licence of Blink Commerce Private Limited in Chembur was also suspended after inspectors found what the department described as serious violations of food-safety and hygiene rules. Further legal action has been initiated against the company, according to the report.
Other Mumbai establishments named in the action include Vishwas Sweets and Snacks in Ghatkopar West and A-1 General and Dry Fruits, whose licences were suspended over food-safety violations. The canteen at Nair Hospital in Mumbai Central was also suspended after an inspection found serious hygiene and food-safety deficiencies.
The FDA further suspended the licence of Milan Punjab restaurant in Worli over alleged unhygienic conditions and regulatory violations. The licence of Sadguru Sweets in Malad East was suspended for alleged breaches of food-safety and hygiene standards.
The action places food businesses as well as institutional kitchens under scrutiny during a period when demand for prepared food, sweets, dairy products and snacks rises. The FDA’s reported inspections cover both commercial establishments and a hospital canteen, extending the enforcement focus beyond retail food outlets to facilities serving patients and the public.
FDA officials said inspections would continue across Maharashtra during the festive season. Establishments found violating food-safety rules will face further action, with the department stating that the ongoing campaign is intended to ensure access to safe and quality food.
