The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has seized nearly 29 tonnes of snacks, raw materials and edible oil from 11 establishments in Thane’s Shil-Diva area after inspections found suspected adulteration, poor-quality food and unhygienic manufacturing conditions, the regulator said on September 11.
The action followed a tip-off received on September 9 and covered establishments in Bhaskar Compound and Khadi Gaon. The seized material included potato wafers, farali chiwda, spicy wafers, mixed farsan, sev, bhakarwadi, banana chips and other festive snacks. The FDA also seized maida, besan, pea flour, palmolein and used cooking oil.
According to the food safety regulator, the total seizure comprised 28,955 kg and 56 litres of food products and raw materials, with an estimated value of Rs 20.48 lakh. The FDA said the products were seized on suspicion of adulteration and poor quality, while also citing unsafe conditions at the premises where the food was being prepared.
Officials reported dirty and greasy production floors, partly open production areas and inadequate drainage at the inspected units. Some premises had stagnant wastewater and foul odours, while cockroach and rodent infestation was also reported. Workers were found preparing food without aprons, gloves or head coverings, the FDA said.
The regulator further stated that the establishments were operating without valid food licences. Following the inspections, the FDA ordered the suspension of the licences or registrations of all 11 establishments and directed them to stop operations.
The enforcement action comes ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri, when demand for namkeen, farsan, sweets and other traditional foods generally increases across Maharashtra. The inspections were led by FDA officials under commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, according to the report.
The FDA has also asked organisers of mahaprasad, bhandara, langar and other community food distribution programmes to provide advance notice at least seven days before an event. The regulator said the information would allow it to conduct risk-based inspections and collect food samples before or during such programmes.
