Maharashtra FDA Receives Over 16,000 Food Safety Complaints in Three Months
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received more than 16,000 food safety complaints over the past three months and is executing enforcement actions against establishments regardless of their size or reputation, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe announced during an interaction with mediapersons at the Press Club in Mumbai.
Mundhe said the department receives complaints through multiple channels, including its toll-free number, email, and a recently strengthened online grievance portal. The department analyses these reports to identify violations and prioritise inspections and enforcement.
“We have got more than 16,000 complaints. It’s a huge number. What we do, we analyse. And then there is what you call HR category, high-risk category of food,” Mundhe said.
The commissioner explained that the FDA is focusing on high-risk food categories defined under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) framework. He noted that serious violations are being addressed on priority across both small and large establishments.
“There are eight types of high-risk food. We focus on that. And in that also, whatever violations we think that we need to take on priority, we take that, be it small, be it big,” Mundhe stated.
Addressing questions regarding whether five-star or well-known establishments receive preferential treatment, Mundhe said enforcement actions are not influenced by the status of a venue. He stated that the FDA does not differentiate based on star ratings and has taken action across various food businesses, including dairies, restaurants, clubs, warehouses, dark kitchens, chain restaurants, and businesses operating via online platforms, as well as those dealing in prohibited food items.
Mundhe also emphasised the department's focus on transparency. The FDA regularly publishes details of inspections and enforcement actions taken, accompanied by photographs and videos.
“Almost every day, we issue how many inspections we did. We issue how many actions have been taken, what actions have been taken, along with photographs and videos,” Mundhe said.
According to the commissioner, the high volume of citizen complaints in a short timeframe has provided the department with critical inputs to pinpoint violations and focus enforcement on high-risk areas across the state.
