Maharashtra FDA Seizes Rs 63 Crore in Food Products Ahead of Diwali Festivities

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra has conducted a state-wide operation, seizing 3,098.46 metric tonnes of food valued at Rs 63.45 crore over a two-month period. This enforcement initiative coincided with the increased demand typical of the Diwali festival season, which sees a rise in the consumption of sweets, ghee, dry fruits, and various festive snacks. The operation spanned from September 1 to November 3 and involved inspections of 9,667 food establishments across the state.

Enforcement Actions and Findings

As a result of this extensive drive, the FDA suspended 954 food business licenses and initiated proceedings to cancel 25 additional registrations. Furthermore, 4,603 notices for improvement were issued, and 8,835 food samples were collected for laboratory testing. According to the data, the largest monetary value of seizures involved salt, spices, and condiments, totaling Rs 21.09 crore, with edible oils next at Rs 16.31 crore. Additionally, milk products—specifically ghee and khava (mawa)—were seized, amounting to Rs 7.63 crore, along with dry fruits worth Rs 7.47 crore.

Special Focus During Diwali

The majority of the seizures were recorded in the last three weeks leading up to Diwali. Specifically, during a targeted inspection period from October 15 to November 3, the FDA assessed 3,332 establishments, leading to the suspension of 326 food licenses and the initiation of 15 cancellation processes. Within this timeframe, 1,886.44 metric tonnes of food, valued at Rs 44.37 crore—approximately 70% of the total seized—was confiscated, alongside 3,864 food samples collected for testing. In Greater Mumbai alone, the FDA examined 1,037 establishments, suspended 76 licenses, and initiated four cancellation proceedings, resulting in the seizure of 28.745 metric tonnes worth Rs 92.82 lakh.

Consumer Safety Alerts

The FDA has issued a checklist highlighting critical consumer safety concerns that individuals should be aware of. These include: synthetic or adulterated khava; products made from vegetable fats marketed as paneer or ghee; the use of non-permitted colors in sweets; aluminum foil being used instead of traditional silver leaf (chandi warkh); reused frying oil; artificial color coatings on dry fruits; and expired goods being repackaged into festive gift hampers.

Online Orders Under Scrutiny

The FDA's enforcement efforts also extended to supermarkets, e-commerce sites, and quick commerce platforms, along with their respective dark stores. The regulator mandated that food items delivered to consumers should have at least 30% of their shelf life remaining—meaning they must not be within 45 days of their expiry date at the time of delivery. Additionally, it is a requirement for every dark store and fulfillment center to possess a valid FSSAI license.