Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has defended the department's ongoing crackdown on restaurants, food establishments and railway vendors, saying the action is aimed at ensuring food safety and protecting public health.
Mundhe said the FDA's inspections are being carried out under existing food safety laws and are not targeted at any particular community, organisation or establishment.
The crackdown has also drawn attention after action was taken against restaurants operating at the ISKCON temple complex in Juhu, Mumbai. The FDA has maintained that the action was based on violations of food safety norms and not on the religious identity of the establishment.
FDA steps up inspections
The Maharashtra FDA has intensified inspections of food businesses across the state, with officials checking restaurants, hotels, food manufacturers, catering units and vendors for compliance with safety and hygiene standards.
The department has been examining issues such as food storage, hygiene, pest control, handling practices and the overall condition of kitchens and food preparation areas.
Mundhe has said establishments found violating the rules can face notices, penalties and suspension of licences depending on the seriousness of the violations.
Railway food vendors also under scanner
Railway catering vendors have also come under the FDA's scrutiny as part of the wider food safety drive.
Officials have been conducting inspections at railway premises and checking food quality, storage conditions, cleanliness and compliance with prescribed standards.
The action comes amid growing concerns over the quality and safety of food served to passengers, particularly at busy railway stations.
Focus on public health
Mundhe has repeatedly maintained that the FDA's objective is to ensure that consumers receive safe food and that businesses comply with statutory requirements.
The commissioner has also stressed that food safety rules apply equally to large establishments, restaurants, catering businesses and smaller food vendors.
The department's enforcement campaign is expected to continue, with officials maintaining that establishments will be required to rectify violations and meet prescribed food safety standards.
The Maharashtra FDA has said its broader objective is to strengthen compliance and safeguard public health rather than target individual businesses or institutions.
