Maharashtra FDA Tests 34,584 Food Samples, Finds Over 15,000 Below Standards

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has intensified its crackdown across the state against substandard consumables, testing over 32,600 samples of food, drugs, and cosmetics between June and August. The regulatory body found more than 15,000 food samples failing to meet prescribed quality standards during the three-month drive.

According to official data from the department, the authority took up a total of 37,604 samples for examination during this period. The collection included 34,584 food items alongside 3,020 drug and cosmetic products gathered for laboratory evaluation.

Of the total samples taken up, testing was completed for 30,492 food items and 2,112 drug and cosmetic samples. More than 15,000 tested food samples were identified as being not of standard quality, reflecting widespread non-compliance in the market.

The regulatory agency reported a significant rise in its testing capacity, noting an increase in monthly samples tested compared with the 2025-26 period.

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe stated that the department is maintaining continuous surveillance throughout the state in an ongoing effort to protect public health.