FDA Chief Tukaram Mundhe Leads Over 3,000 Food Safety Raids Across Mumbai
Maharashtra Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has led more than 3,000 raids on food establishments across Mumbai and the state since taking charge in May, uncovering hygiene violations and suspending permits at several major outlets.
The enforcement drive has targeted international chains, local restaurants, roadside stalls, hotels, and court canteens. In recent weeks, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended permits at four Domino's outlets and one Pizza Hut location. Department teams also inspected court canteens in Mumbai and shut down those found operating without licences.
Raids across eateries and food storage units revealed violations including pest infestations of rats and cockroaches, stained walls, and expired food items. Mundhe has also prohibited vendors from wrapping Mumbai's popular vada pav in newspapers due to safety concerns.
The heightened scrutiny has led several establishments across Mumbai to modify their practices. Some vendors have replaced artificial food dyes with natural ingredients, required staff to wear caps and gloves, and increased the frequency of frying oil changes.
The FDA's crackdown has also expanded to the sale of loose edible oil. The department stated that edible oil sold directly to consumers must be supplied in sealed, tamper-evident, and labelled packaging under food safety regulations in place since 2011. Mundhe said the rule is intended to ensure product traceability and accountability, preventing adulteration and contamination from dust, insects, and chemical residues in reused containers.
The move on loose oil has prompted concern among traditional traders and small retailers over potential cost increases. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the FDA would be asked to prepare standard operating procedures to prevent adulteration without disrupting the operations of small retailers.
While the crackdown has received public support, some businesses have challenged the department's actions in court. In one instance, the High Court imposed a Rs 5 lakh fine on the FDA for continuing the suspension of an eatery after the establishment had resolved its compliance issues.
