Maharashtra FDA’s massive crackdown seizes gutkha, pan‑masala and adulterated dairy worth lakhs

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) kicked off a massive, state‑wide sweep last week, targeting everything from illegal gutkha to suspect dairy items. It wasn’t just a one‑off thing – the agency visited towns and cities across the state, from Nagpur to the bustling streets of Mumbai, to make sure food safety rules were actually being followed.

In Nagpur, inspectors grabbed gutkha and pan‑masala worth Rs 4,10,782. They also impounded two vehicles, together valued at about Rs 8 lakh. The raid led to three FIRs and the arrest of three people – a clear sign that the authorities mean business.

When it came to dairy, the numbers were striking. During the festive‑season drive the FDA seized milk and milk‑based products worth Rs 7,38,230, which translated to a hefty 2,813 kg of goods that were deemed unsafe for consumption.

But it wasn’t just dairy. The operation also netted 2,580 kg of supari, assorted namkeen and even 12.5 litres of toddy, altogether valued at Rs 4,66,802. All of these items were flagged for either adulteration or outright illegality.

Moving down to the Konkan division, officials stopped a vehicle at Kashimira, Mira Road, loading it with 479 kg of khowa and 958 kg of sweet mawa – goods worth Rs 3,16,140. The products were stored without any temperature control, making them unfit for sale. Another haul from the same area included 659 kg of khowa and 220 kg of sweet mawa, valued at Rs 2,69,940. Even at Charoti Toll in Palghar, a batch of 174 kg of sweet mawa worth Rs 48,720 was seized for being substandard and misbranded.

In Pune’s satellite districts, the raid hit a small shop in Karad, Satara, where 126 kg of milk sweets – worth about Rs 63,000 – were confiscated because they’d been prepared in unhygienic conditions. Over in Kolhapur, inspectors found 99 kg of khowa and 98 kg of rabdi, totaling Rs 40,430, that violated licensing and labeling rules.

Mumbai saw a different flavour of enforcement. The FDA inspected 27 hotels and restaurants, suspending licences for 14 establishments and issuing improvement notices to 13 more. Four other venues had their licences pulled entirely due to serious lapses like pest infestations, poor storage, lack of water‑testing reports and inadequately trained staff.

Overall, the drive was billed as part of the FDA’s ongoing effort to tighten food‑safety compliance across Maharashtra. Officials say the seizures send a strong message: illegal and unsafe food products will not be tolerated, and anyone caught on the wrong side of the law will face swift action.