The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday (Sep 8) has suspended the licences of an IRCTC-linked base kitchen in Mumbai and three food establishments operating at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Juhu after inspections found serious hygiene and food-safety violations.At R.K. Associates &amp; Hoteliers Pvt. Ltd. in Kurla West, which supplies food to railway passengers through an IRCTC-linked base kitchen, inspectors allegedly found live cockroaches in food storage and processing areas. Uncovered food was also found being prepared near open garbage, according to the FDA.The inspection on September 2 found the establishment “non-compliant”, following which the FDA ordered it to stop food preparation, supply and sales.<h2>Problems found at railway kitchen</h2>Inspectors also found one employee handling food despite an injured finger. Medical fitness certificates were available for only 21 of the kitchen’s 34 food handlers, the FDA said.Unclean and rusted utensils and food-contact equipment were also flagged, while vehicles used to transport food were reportedly found in poor condition.Four other establishments supplying food to railway passengers in Mumbai and Thane were issued improvement notices during the inspections.<h2>Three ISKCON outlets lose licences</h2>The FDA separately suspended the licences of three food establishments at ISKCON in Juhu following inspections on September 3.At ISKCON Food Services Restaurant, inspectors allegedly found rodent droppings in storage rooms, clogged drains and food waste. The agency also flagged inadequate segregation of raw and cooked food, as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, raising concerns over cross-contamination.At the ISKCON Base Kitchen at Hare Krishna Land, inspectors reported pest activity, poor segregation of food and non-food items, inadequate cleaning and deficiencies in testing water used for food preparation.Govindas Restaurant was also found with stagnant water in a cold-storage area, clogged drains and evidence of pests, alongside deficiencies in food segregation, drinking-water testing and staff medical records.FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the State government was taking a strict approach to food-safety violations and that practices endangering public health would not be tolerated.

Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of an IRCTC-linked kitchen and three ISKCON outlets after inspections found cockroaches, rodent droppings and serious hygiene violations.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday (Sep 8) has suspended the licences of an IRCTC-linked base kitchen in Mumbai and three food establishments operating at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Juhu after inspections found serious hygiene and food-safety violations. At R.K. Associates & Hoteliers Pvt. Ltd. in Kurla West, which supplies food to railway passengers through an IRCTC-linked base kitchen, inspectors allegedly found live cockroaches in food storage and processing areas. Uncovered food was also found being prepared near open garbage, according to the FDA. The inspection on September 2 found the establishment “non-compliant”, following which the FDA ordered it to stop food preparation, supply and sales. Problems found at railway kitchen Inspectors also found one employee handling food despite an injured finger. Medical fitness certificates were available for only 21 of the kitchen’s 34 food handlers, the FDA said. Unclean and rusted utensils and food-contact equipment were also flagged, while vehicles used to transport food were reportedly found in poor condition. Four other establishments supplying food to railway passengers in Mumbai and Thane were issued improvement notices during the inspections. Three ISKCON outlets lose licences The FDA separately suspended the licences of three food establishments at ISKCON in Juhu following inspections on September 3. At ISKCON Food Services Restaurant, inspectors allegedly found rodent droppings in storage rooms, clogged drains and food waste. The agency also flagged inadequate segregation of raw and cooked food, as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, raising concerns over cross-contamination. At the ISKCON Base Kitchen at Hare Krishna Land, inspectors reported pest activity, poor segregation of food and non-food items, inadequate cleaning and deficiencies in testing water used for food preparation. Govindas Restaurant was also found with stagnant water in a cold-storage area, clogged drains and evidence of pests, alongside deficiencies in food segregation, drinking-water testing and staff medical records. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the State government was taking a strict approach to food-safety violations and that practices endangering public health would not be tolerated.

Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of an IRCTC-linked kitchen and three ISKCON outlets after inspections found cockroaches, rodent droppings and serious hygiene violations.

Cockroaches, rodent droppings: FDA suspends licences of IRCTC, ISKCON kitchens

Mumbai: Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stepped up its crackdown on unsafe edible oil practices, with the state food safety regulator warning against the sale of loose or unsealed cooking oil and tightening scrutiny of how edible oil is stored, transported and used by food businesses.&nbsp;The latest action is part of an expanding food-safety enforcement drive led by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, which has already seen inspections and action against restaurants, food manufacturers and other establishments across Maharashtra.&nbsp;The FDA has specifically raised concerns over the sale of edible oil in loose form. According to the regulator, consumers should purchase properly packaged and sealed edible oil from licensed sellers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-sets-up-5-member-committee-to-probe-cops-use-of-force-violence-at-neet-protests-1787231068889">Supreme Court sets up 5-member committee to probe cops’ use of force, violence at NEET protests</a>&nbsp;Packaging should carry essential information including the product’s source, manufacturing details, expiry date and FSSAI licence information.&nbsp;The concern with loose oil is not just about adulteration. Regulators say the absence of proper labelling makes it difficult to establish where the oil came from and to trace it back to its manufacturer or supplier if a food-safety problem is reported.&nbsp;The FDA has also flagged the use of unsuitable, reused or damaged containers for storing edible oil. Authorities are examining whether oil is being stored and transported in conditions that could expose it to contamination, sunlight or other factors that may affect its quality.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lot-of-boats-coming-through-strait-of-hormuz-says-trump-admits-to-nuisance-of-iranian-drones-1787166376313">‘Lot of boats’ coming through Strait of Hormuz, says Trump, admits to ‘nuisance’ of Iranian drones</a><h2>Crackdown on repeatedly heated cooking oil</h2>&nbsp;One of the key areas of concern is the repeated heating and reuse of cooking oil. Restaurants, hotels, snack shops and street-food establishments routinely use oil for deep frying.&nbsp;However, repeatedly heating the same oil can cause chemical changes and increase the formation of undesirable compounds.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-prepared-to-defend-all-allies-after-reports-of-iran-mulling-attacks-on-us-targets-in-europe-1787141867863">NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe</a>&nbsp;Food-safety regulations prescribe a limit for Total Polar Compounds (TPC) in used cooking oil. Once the TPC level crosses 25 per cent, the oil is not permitted to be reused for cooking.&nbsp;Commercial food establishments are also required to follow procedures for the safe collection and disposal of used cooking oil rather than repeatedly putting the same oil back into frying vessels.&nbsp;The FDA's focus on reused cooking oil is significant because it directly affects food consumed outside homes, particularly fried snacks and fast food.&nbsp;<h2>Why is loose edible oil under the scanner?</h2>&nbsp;The FDA's concerns extend across the entire edible-oil supply chain — from manufacturing and packaging to transportation, storage, retail and final use.&nbsp;Officials have been carrying out inspections and collecting samples to check for adulteration, misbranding and violations of food-safety standards.&nbsp;In one recent enforcement action in Maharashtra's Beed district, authorities seized loose edible oil worth around Rs 1.94 crore from multiple establishments. The action followed inspections conducted on August 6 and 7.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-trump-s-economic-terrorism-irgc-warns-of-using-more-precise-and-destructive-weapons-1787234880288">Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons</a>&nbsp;At one establishment, officials seized around 66,653 kg of edible oil valued at approximately Rs 1.05 crore. Authorities reportedly detected issues including misleading labelling and the use of reused containers, prompting further regulatory action.&nbsp;The FDA has also been increasing sampling and inspections of edible oil products across Maharashtra to identify products that fail prescribed quality standards.&nbsp;<h2>What consumers should check?</h2>&nbsp;The FDA’s latest warning places greater responsibility on consumers to check what they are purchasing.&nbsp;Consumers are advised to avoid buying edible oil sold from unidentified containers or without proper packaging. They should look for a sealed package, the FSSAI licence or registration details, manufacturing and expiry information and details of the product.&nbsp;The crackdown also serves as a warning to restaurants and food vendors. Repeatedly using cooking oil beyond permissible limits can lead to regulatory action.

The FDA has raised concerns over the sale of loose edible oil. It said consumers should purchase properly packaged and sealed edible oil from licensed sellers. Packaging should carry essential information, including source, manufacturing details, expiry date and FSSAI licence information.

Mumbai: Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stepped up its crackdown on unsafe edible oil practices, with the state food safety regulator warning against the sale of loose or unsealed cooking oil and tightening scrutiny of how edible oil is stored, transported and used by food businesses. The latest action is part of an expanding food-safety enforcement drive led by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, which has already seen inspections and action against restaurants, food manufacturers and other establishments across Maharashtra. The FDA has specifically raised concerns over the sale of edible oil in loose form. According to the regulator, consumers should purchase properly packaged and sealed edible oil from licensed sellers. Also Read: Supreme Court sets up 5-member committee to probe cops’ use of force, violence at NEET protests Packaging should carry essential information including the product’s source, manufacturing details, expiry date and FSSAI licence information. The concern with loose oil is not just about adulteration. Regulators say the absence of proper labelling makes it difficult to establish where the oil came from and to trace it back to its manufacturer or supplier if a food-safety problem is reported. The FDA has also flagged the use of unsuitable, reused or damaged containers for storing edible oil. Authorities are examining whether oil is being stored and transported in conditions that could expose it to contamination, sunlight or other factors that may affect its quality. Also Read: ‘Lot of boats’ coming through Strait of Hormuz, says Trump, admits to ‘nuisance’ of Iranian drones Crackdown on repeatedly heated cooking oil One of the key areas of concern is the repeated heating and reuse of cooking oil. Restaurants, hotels, snack shops and street-food establishments routinely use oil for deep frying. However, repeatedly heating the same oil can cause chemical changes and increase the formation of undesirable compounds. Also Read: NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe Food-safety regulations prescribe a limit for Total Polar Compounds (TPC) in used cooking oil. Once the TPC level crosses 25 per cent, the oil is not permitted to be reused for cooking. Commercial food establishments are also required to follow procedures for the safe collection and disposal of used cooking oil rather than repeatedly putting the same oil back into frying vessels. The FDA's focus on reused cooking oil is significant because it directly affects food consumed outside homes, particularly fried snacks and fast food. Why is loose edible oil under the scanner? The FDA's concerns extend across the entire edible-oil supply chain — from manufacturing and packaging to transportation, storage, retail and final use. Officials have been carrying out inspections and collecting samples to check for adulteration, misbranding and violations of food-safety standards. In one recent enforcement action in Maharashtra's Beed district, authorities seized loose edible oil worth around Rs 1.94 crore from multiple establishments. The action followed inspections conducted on August 6 and 7. Also Read: Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons At one establishment, officials seized around 66,653 kg of edible oil valued at approximately Rs 1.05 crore. Authorities reportedly detected issues including misleading labelling and the use of reused containers, prompting further regulatory action. The FDA has also been increasing sampling and inspections of edible oil products across Maharashtra to identify products that fail prescribed quality standards. What consumers should check? The FDA’s latest warning places greater responsibility on consumers to check what they are purchasing. Consumers are advised to avoid buying edible oil sold from unidentified containers or without proper packaging. They should look for a sealed package, the FSSAI licence or registration details, manufacturing and expiry information and details of the product. The crackdown also serves as a warning to restaurants and food vendors. Repeatedly using cooking oil beyond permissible limits can lead to regulatory action.

The FDA has raised concerns over the sale of loose edible oil. It said consumers should purchase properly packaged and sealed edible oil from licensed sellers. Packaging should carry essential information, including source, manufacturing details, expiry date and FSSAI licence information.

Maharashtra FDA cracks down on loose oil, reused cooking oil: What consumers need to know

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has said the state’s intensified food-safety enforcement drive is ultimately aimed at creating a system where businesses comply voluntarily, and routine crackdowns are no longer required.&nbsp;In an exclusive interview with WION's Disha Yadav, Mundhe said the FDA’s responsibility is to ensure that food-safety regulations are implemented effectively, stressing that the department’s objective is public health and not to claim credit for the ongoing crackdown.&nbsp;“My expectation is that I should not be required to take any crackdown,” Mundhe said, describing voluntary compliance as the ultimate measure of success.<h2>Over 3,000 establishments inspected in two months</h2>Explaining the scale of the ongoing enforcement drive, Mundhe said that the FDA has inspected more than 3,000 establishments in the last two months.&nbsp;More than 700 establishments were issued improvement notices, while around 160 licences were suspended.&nbsp;However, Mundhe cautioned against interpreting these figures as evidence that the entire food industry is operating in violation of the law.&nbsp;The commissioner said that after taking charge, the department went deeper into the food-safety system and concluded that enforcement needed to be undertaken in “mission mode”, with different sectors and categories being addressed systematically.<h2>Why did food safety become a priority now?</h2>Asked why food safety had not received the same level of administrative attention earlier, Mundhe rejected attributing the situation to one particular factor, such as a lack of resources or political will.He pointed to the transformation of India’s food-regulation framework after the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act and the subsequent regulatory framework, which shifted the focus from merely preventing adulteration towards comprehensive food-safety standards.&nbsp;According to Mundhe, the regulatory architecture, laboratories and manpower are now in place. The bigger challenge, he said, is implementation and compliance.<h2>Which foods are under the biggest scanner?</h2>Mundhe said the FDA's enforcement strategy is also based on the risk associated with particular food categories.&nbsp;High-risk categories identified under the food-safety framework include milk and milk products, meat and edible oils, among other widely consumed products.&nbsp;Enforcement is also adjusted according to consumption patterns and seasons.&nbsp;During festival periods, for instance, milk products and fried foods can come under greater scrutiny, while seasonal products such as mangoes can become a focus during summer.&nbsp;The approach, he said, is therefore not simply about conducting random raids but identifying where the potential risk to consumers is greatest.<h2>Repeat offenders could face stronger action</h2>Mundhe also made it clear that a licence suspension should not necessarily be viewed as the final punishment.&nbsp;For establishments that repeatedly violate food-safety regulations, the action can escalate to licence cancellation and closure.&nbsp;His message to businesses was straightforward: compliance is the only sustainable way to remain operational.&nbsp;“If they are complying, they have nothing to fear,” Mundhe said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliamentary-panel-finds-justice-yashwant-varma-guilty-in-cash-at-home-row-1786533182349">Parliamentary panel finds Justice Yashwant Varma guilty in cash-at-home row</a><h2>‘Ex-FDA officer, lawyer or anyone else will not help’</h2> One of the sharper moments of the WION interview came when Mundhe was asked about establishments hiring former FDA officials or consultants to understand regulations or potentially avoid enforcement.&nbsp;Mundhe said establishments are free to seek professional advice to understand the law, but such connections will not protect from regulatory action.&nbsp;“Whether they hire an ex-FDA officer, a lawyer or anyone else, it is not going to help them,” he said.If a business follows the applicable regulations, he said, it has nothing to worry about. But if it violates the law, hiring a former official, lawyer or consultant will not shield it from action.&nbsp;The message was clear: compliance, not connections, will determine who survives the crackdown.‘System and institution are much more important than an individual’ Mundhe also addressed a bigger question: can the current enforcement drive continue after the present leadership changes?&nbsp;His answer was that it must.&nbsp;“System and institution are much more important than an individual,” Mundhe said.&nbsp;He said his priority is to institutionalise food-safety enforcement so that the system does not become dependent on one officer.&nbsp;The FDA is therefore moving towards automation and digital systems, including digitising grievance mechanisms so that citizens can raise complaints and track their progress through their phones.&nbsp;Regular reviews, periodic inspections and greater citizen participation are also being built into the enforcement framework.&nbsp;The aim is to ensure that the mechanisms created during the current drive continue functioning regardless of which officer is heading the department in the future.<h2>What is the most dangerous form of adulteration?</h2>Asked to identify the single most dangerous chemical or form of adulteration, Mundhe refused to single out one substance.&nbsp;Instead, he stressed that any food that is adulterated, unsafe or substandard poses a public-health risk and can attract regulatory action.&nbsp;His concern, he said, extends beyond immediate illnesses.&nbsp;“Nobody has got any right to spoil the life of an individual, society or a nation,” Mundhe said, warning that unsafe food could have consequences not only for individuals today but potentially for future generations.<h2>Zero tolerance on bribery</h2>Mundhe also spoke about corruption and attempts to influence food-safety officials.&nbsp;He said there is zero tolerance for unsafe, substandard or adulterated food and equally strong action against attempts to compromise the regulatory process.&nbsp;“The person who offers a bribe and the person who accepts it — both are criminals,” he said.Mundhe urged anyone who encounters an attempt to offer or solicit a bribe to report the matter to the commissioner or the Anti-Corruption Bureau.<h2>Consumers also have a role</h2>Mundhe said enforcement cannot be the sole responsibility of the regulator.&nbsp;Consumers, he argued, need to become more vigilant about what they purchase and consume.He urged people not to limit their checks to the expiry date and price of a product, but to also read its ingredients and constituents and make informed choices.&nbsp;The commissioner said consumer awareness and citizen participation would be an important part of creating a sustainable food-safety ecosystem.<h2>The larger message: crackdown is only the beginning</h2>For Mundhe, the current raids and inspections are only one part of a much larger objective.&nbsp;The immediate focus is to identify violations, take action against non-compliant establishments and protect consumers. But the long-term goal is to create a regulatory system in which businesses understand the rules, comply with them and do not wait for an inspection to take corrective action.&nbsp;That is why his most striking statement from the interview may also be his simplest:&nbsp;“My expectation is that I should not be required to take any crackdown.”&nbsp;For the Maharashtra FDA chief, the success of the campaign will ultimately not be measured by how many establishments are raided or how many licences are suspended — but by whether the food-safety culture changes enough that such crackdowns are no longer routinely necessary.

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the intensified food-safety drive aims to build a system of voluntary compliance, stronger enforcement, digital monitoring and greater consumer awareness so routine crackdowns are no longer needed.

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has said the state’s intensified food-safety enforcement drive is ultimately aimed at creating a system where businesses comply voluntarily, and routine crackdowns are no longer required. In an exclusive interview with WION's Disha Yadav, Mundhe said the FDA’s responsibility is to ensure that food-safety regulations are implemented effectively, stressing that the department’s objective is public health and not to claim credit for the ongoing crackdown. “My expectation is that I should not be required to take any crackdown,” Mundhe said, describing voluntary compliance as the ultimate measure of success. Over 3,000 establishments inspected in two months Explaining the scale of the ongoing enforcement drive, Mundhe said that the FDA has inspected more than 3,000 establishments in the last two months. More than 700 establishments were issued improvement notices, while around 160 licences were suspended. However, Mundhe cautioned against interpreting these figures as evidence that the entire food industry is operating in violation of the law. The commissioner said that after taking charge, the department went deeper into the food-safety system and concluded that enforcement needed to be undertaken in “mission mode”, with different sectors and categories being addressed systematically. Why did food safety become a priority now? Asked why food safety had not received the same level of administrative attention earlier, Mundhe rejected attributing the situation to one particular factor, such as a lack of resources or political will. He pointed to the transformation of India’s food-regulation framework after the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act and the subsequent regulatory framework, which shifted the focus from merely preventing adulteration towards comprehensive food-safety standards. According to Mundhe, the regulatory architecture, laboratories and manpower are now in place. The bigger challenge, he said, is implementation and compliance. Which foods are under the biggest scanner? Mundhe said the FDA's enforcement strategy is also based on the risk associated with particular food categories. High-risk categories identified under the food-safety framework include milk and milk products, meat and edible oils, among other widely consumed products. Enforcement is also adjusted according to consumption patterns and seasons. During festival periods, for instance, milk products and fried foods can come under greater scrutiny, while seasonal products such as mangoes can become a focus during summer. The approach, he said, is therefore not simply about conducting random raids but identifying where the potential risk to consumers is greatest. Repeat offenders could face stronger action Mundhe also made it clear that a licence suspension should not necessarily be viewed as the final punishment. For establishments that repeatedly violate food-safety regulations, the action can escalate to licence cancellation and closure. His message to businesses was straightforward: compliance is the only sustainable way to remain operational. “If they are complying, they have nothing to fear,” Mundhe said. Also Read: Parliamentary panel finds Justice Yashwant Varma guilty in cash-at-home row ‘Ex-FDA officer, lawyer or anyone else will not help’ One of the sharper moments of the WION interview came when Mundhe was asked about establishments hiring former FDA officials or consultants to understand regulations or potentially avoid enforcement. Mundhe said establishments are free to seek professional advice to understand the law, but such connections will not protect from regulatory action. “Whether they hire an ex-FDA officer, a lawyer or anyone else, it is not going to help them,” he said. If a business follows the applicable regulations, he said, it has nothing to worry about. But if it violates the law, hiring a former official, lawyer or consultant will not shield it from action. The message was clear: compliance, not connections, will determine who survives the crackdown. ‘System and institution are much more important than an individual’ Mundhe also addressed a bigger question: can the current enforcement drive continue after the present leadership changes? His answer was that it must. “System and institution are much more important than an individual,” Mundhe said. He said his priority is to institutionalise food-safety enforcement so that the system does not become dependent on one officer. The FDA is therefore moving towards automation and digital systems, including digitising grievance mechanisms so that citizens can raise complaints and track their progress through their phones. Regular reviews, periodic inspections and greater citizen participation are also being built into the enforcement framework. The aim is to ensure that the mechanisms created during the current drive continue functioning regardless of which officer is heading the department in the future. What is the most dangerous form of adulteration? Asked to identify the single most dangerous chemical or form of adulteration, Mundhe refused to single out one substance. Instead, he stressed that any food that is adulterated, unsafe or substandard poses a public-health risk and can attract regulatory action. His concern, he said, extends beyond immediate illnesses. “Nobody has got any right to spoil the life of an individual, society or a nation,” Mundhe said, warning that unsafe food could have consequences not only for individuals today but potentially for future generations. Zero tolerance on bribery Mundhe also spoke about corruption and attempts to influence food-safety officials. He said there is zero tolerance for unsafe, substandard or adulterated food and equally strong action against attempts to compromise the regulatory process. “The person who offers a bribe and the person who accepts it — both are criminals,” he said. Mundhe urged anyone who encounters an attempt to offer or solicit a bribe to report the matter to the commissioner or the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Consumers also have a role Mundhe said enforcement cannot be the sole responsibility of the regulator. Consumers, he argued, need to become more vigilant about what they purchase and consume. He urged people not to limit their checks to the expiry date and price of a product, but to also read its ingredients and constituents and make informed choices. The commissioner said consumer awareness and citizen participation would be an important part of creating a sustainable food-safety ecosystem. The larger message: crackdown is only the beginning For Mundhe, the current raids and inspections are only one part of a much larger objective. The immediate focus is to identify violations, take action against non-compliant establishments and protect consumers. But the long-term goal is to create a regulatory system in which businesses understand the rules, comply with them and do not wait for an inspection to take corrective action. That is why his most striking statement from the interview may also be his simplest: “My expectation is that I should not be required to take any crackdown.” For the Maharashtra FDA chief, the success of the campaign will ultimately not be measured by how many establishments are raided or how many licences are suspended — but by whether the food-safety culture changes enough that such crackdowns are no longer routinely necessary.

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the intensified food-safety drive aims to build a system of voluntary compliance, stronger enforcement, digital monitoring and greater consumer awareness so routine crackdowns are no longer needed.

‘My expectation is that I should not be required to take any crackdown’: Maharashtra FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe to WION

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe received a rousing reception at a public event in Pune, with the audience standing up and applauding as the IAS officer walked onto the stage. A video from the event, titled "Unstoppable Tukaram", shows Mundhe entering Bal Gandharva Ranga Mandir as the crowd erupts in applause. Several people can be seen recording the moment on their phones.The reception comes amid Mundhe's high-profile crackdown on restaurants and other food establishments across Maharashtra, which has made the 2005-batch IAS officer a familiar face among consumers and a contentious figure in parts of the hospitality industry.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-canteens-inspected-after-judges-question-maharashtra-fda-s-selective-crackdown-1785843158816">Bombay HC canteens inspected after judges question FDA's 'selective' crackdown</a><h2>Who is 'Singham' Tukaram Mundhe?</h2>A 2005-batch IAS officer, Mundhe has developed a reputation for strict enforcement during his administrative career, with reports saying he has been transferred around 25 times in roughly two decades.The Maharashtra-cadre officer has reportedly faced around 25 transfers since entering the civil service. His supporters portray the frequent transfers as evidence of his willingness to enforce rules despite political or administrative pressure.His current tenure as Maharashtra FDA commissioner has once again put that reputation in the spotlight and his latest campaign has strengthened that image, particularly on social media.Industrialist Harsh Goenka has also publicly backed the officer, praising him as an administrator who puts public interest ahead of personal considerations.<h2>Mundhe wins public applause</h2>Since Mundhe took charge in May, the FDA has conducted more than 1,100 inspections across the state, covering restaurants, food manufacturers, and distributors. The enforcement campaign has resulted in licence suspensions, seizures of food products and action against establishments accused of violating food safety norms.Supporters have dubbed Mundhe "Singham", comparing his no-nonsense approach to the fictional police officer.At the Pune event, the reaction appeared to underline his growing popularity among sections of the public. "For the first time, I witnessed such immense love, respect, and admiration for a government officer - not out of protocol, but truly from the heart," the caption accompanying the viral video said. Watch it here:Mundhe appeared visibly moved by the reception.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bombay-high-court-canteens-inspected-maharashtra-fda-crackdown-1785758056490">Bombay High Court canteens fail FDA inspection after judges question crackdown</a><h2>What triggered the food safety crackdown?</h2>The Maharashtra FDA has stepped up inspections of eateries, pubs, hotels and other food businesses following complaints and concerns over hygiene.&nbsp;Officials have reported finding expired food products, fungus-infested meat, reused cooking oil, pest infestations, poor sanitation and improper storage at some establishments. Nearly 100 food establishments have had their licences suspended across Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, according to the material provided.Several well-known Mumbai establishments, including Noor Mohammadi Hotel, Shalimar Restaurant, K. Rustom &amp; Co., Cricket Club of India, Willingdon Sports Club and Juhu Gymkhana, have faced FDA action following inspections.Mundhe has maintained that the campaign is about enforcing food safety standards and is not aimed at selectively targeting businesses. But Mundhe's approach has not been without criticism. Sections of the hospitality industry have questioned the manner in which some inspections and enforcement actions have been carried out. Certain actions have also faced judicial scrutiny, with the Bombay High Court asking authorities to ensure that food safety regulations are applied fairly and consistently.

Tukaram Mundhe, Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration chief, has gone viral after receiving a standing ovation at a Pune event. The 2005-batch IAS officer is known for his strict enforcement style. All you need to know about him.

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe received a rousing reception at a public event in Pune, with the audience standing up and applauding as the IAS officer walked onto the stage. A video from the event, titled "Unstoppable Tukaram", shows Mundhe entering Bal Gandharva Ranga Mandir as the crowd erupts in applause. Several people can be seen recording the moment on their phones. The reception comes amid Mundhe's high-profile crackdown on restaurants and other food establishments across Maharashtra, which has made the 2005-batch IAS officer a familiar face among consumers and a contentious figure in parts of the hospitality industry. Also read | Bombay HC canteens inspected after judges question FDA's 'selective' crackdown Who is 'Singham' Tukaram Mundhe? A 2005-batch IAS officer, Mundhe has developed a reputation for strict enforcement during his administrative career, with reports saying he has been transferred around 25 times in roughly two decades. The Maharashtra-cadre officer has reportedly faced around 25 transfers since entering the civil service. His supporters portray the frequent transfers as evidence of his willingness to enforce rules despite political or administrative pressure. His current tenure as Maharashtra FDA commissioner has once again put that reputation in the spotlight and his latest campaign has strengthened that image, particularly on social media. Industrialist Harsh Goenka has also publicly backed the officer, praising him as an administrator who puts public interest ahead of personal considerations. Mundhe wins public applause Since Mundhe took charge in May, the FDA has conducted more than 1,100 inspections across the state, covering restaurants, food manufacturers, and distributors. The enforcement campaign has resulted in licence suspensions, seizures of food products and action against establishments accused of violating food safety norms. Supporters have dubbed Mundhe "Singham", comparing his no-nonsense approach to the fictional police officer. At the Pune event, the reaction appeared to underline his growing popularity among sections of the public. "For the first time, I witnessed such immense love, respect, and admiration for a government officer - not out of protocol, but truly from the heart," the caption accompanying the viral video said. Watch it here: Mundhe appeared visibly moved by the reception. Also read | Bombay High Court canteens fail FDA inspection after judges question crackdown What triggered the food safety crackdown? The Maharashtra FDA has stepped up inspections of eateries, pubs, hotels and other food businesses following complaints and concerns over hygiene. Officials have reported finding expired food products, fungus-infested meat, reused cooking oil, pest infestations, poor sanitation and improper storage at some establishments. Nearly 100 food establishments have had their licences suspended across Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, according to the material provided. Several well-known Mumbai establishments, including Noor Mohammadi Hotel, Shalimar Restaurant, K. Rustom & Co., Cricket Club of India, Willingdon Sports Club and Juhu Gymkhana, have faced FDA action following inspections. Mundhe has maintained that the campaign is about enforcing food safety standards and is not aimed at selectively targeting businesses. But Mundhe's approach has not been without criticism. Sections of the hospitality industry have questioned the manner in which some inspections and enforcement actions have been carried out. Certain actions have also faced judicial scrutiny, with the Bombay High Court asking authorities to ensure that food safety regulations are applied fairly and consistently.

Tukaram Mundhe, Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration chief, has gone viral after receiving a standing ovation at a Pune event. The 2005-batch IAS officer is known for his strict enforcement style. All you need to know about him.

Who is Tukaram Mundhe? IAS officer gets standing ovation amid Maharashtra food crackdown | Watch

Mumbai:&nbsp;Maharashtra's sweeping food safety crackdown has taken an unprecedented turn, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspecting canteens inside the Bombay High Court after judges questioned whether the regulator was unfairly targeting private restaurants while sparing government-run establishments.The inspections found violations at all three canteens, underscoring the court's observation that food safety standards must be enforced uniformly, irrespective of whether an establishment is privately or government-operated.<h2>Why the High Court stepped in</h2>The inspections stem from hearings on petitions filed by restaurant and hotel owners challenging the FDA's recent suspension of licences as part of its statewide crackdown on food safety violations.During the hearing, a Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge&nbsp;and Justice Gautam Ankhad&nbsp;questioned whether the regulator's enforcement drive was limited to private eateries while government and semi-government canteens escaped similar scrutiny.The Bench observed that canteens operating inside institutions such as the High Court and Mantralaya serve judges, lawyers, government employees and members of the public, making compliance with food safety laws equally important.The court directed the FDA to inspect canteens operating in government and semi-government establishments, including those within the Bombay High Court and Mantralaya, and submit its findings before the court.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/bigg-boss-17-and-dhurandhar-fame-ayesha-khan-detained-by-police-during-protest-in-mumbai-1784725435793">'Why was I detained?': Dhurandhar actress Ayesha Khan questions Mumbai police after brief custody during protest</a><h2>What the FDA found</h2>Acting on the court's directions, FDA teams inspected three canteens inside the Bombay High Court complex.Two canteens were found operating without mandatory licences issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and were directed to immediately cease operations.A third canteen, which possessed a valid FSSAI licence, was issued an improvement notice after inspectors identified hygiene and compliance deficiencies that require corrective action.<h2>FDA assures court of uniform enforcement</h2>Responding to the court's concerns, Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe&nbsp;assured the Bench that the regulator would extend its inspections to government and semi-government establishments and that no institution would be exempt from food safety laws.Following the court's directions, the FDA informed the Bench that inspections had been conducted at the High Court canteens and said similar checks would be carried out at government establishments, including the Mantralaya canteen, as part of the ongoing statewide drive.The commissioner maintained that the Food Safety and Standards Act applies equally to all food establishments, regardless of whether they are privately owned or run by government institutions.<h2>Crackdown enters a new phase</h2>Since taking charge as Maharashtra FDA Commissioner, Tukaram Mundhe has led one of the state's most aggressive food safety campaigns, with inspections across restaurants, hotels, clubs and other food establishments.&nbsp;Several businesses have faced licence suspensions or notices over alleged hygiene violations and non-compliance with food safety regulations.The department says it has conducted 1,131 inspections across Maharashtra—averaging more than 20 inspections every day.&nbsp; &nbsp;Officials say the drive has resulted in the seizure of food products worth Rs 50 crore, including 1.6 lakh litres of allegedly adulterated milk, suspension of licences of 56 restaurants and the invocation of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against organised gutkha syndicates.

Bombay High Court canteens were inspected after judges questioned whether Maharashtra FDA was targeting only private eateries. Violations were found at all three.

Mumbai: Maharashtra's sweeping food safety crackdown has taken an unprecedented turn, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspecting canteens inside the Bombay High Court after judges questioned whether the regulator was unfairly targeting private restaurants while sparing government-run establishments. The inspections found violations at all three canteens, underscoring the court's observation that food safety standards must be enforced uniformly, irrespective of whether an establishment is privately or government-operated. Why the High Court stepped in The inspections stem from hearings on petitions filed by restaurant and hotel owners challenging the FDA's recent suspension of licences as part of its statewide crackdown on food safety violations. During the hearing, a Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad questioned whether the regulator's enforcement drive was limited to private eateries while government and semi-government canteens escaped similar scrutiny. The Bench observed that canteens operating inside institutions such as the High Court and Mantralaya serve judges, lawyers, government employees and members of the public, making compliance with food safety laws equally important. The court directed the FDA to inspect canteens operating in government and semi-government establishments, including those within the Bombay High Court and Mantralaya, and submit its findings before the court. Also Read: 'Why was I detained?': Dhurandhar actress Ayesha Khan questions Mumbai police after brief custody during protest What the FDA found Acting on the court's directions, FDA teams inspected three canteens inside the Bombay High Court complex. Two canteens were found operating without mandatory licences issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and were directed to immediately cease operations. A third canteen, which possessed a valid FSSAI licence, was issued an improvement notice after inspectors identified hygiene and compliance deficiencies that require corrective action. FDA assures court of uniform enforcement Responding to the court's concerns, Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe assured the Bench that the regulator would extend its inspections to government and semi-government establishments and that no institution would be exempt from food safety laws. Following the court's directions, the FDA informed the Bench that inspections had been conducted at the High Court canteens and said similar checks would be carried out at government establishments, including the Mantralaya canteen, as part of the ongoing statewide drive. The commissioner maintained that the Food Safety and Standards Act applies equally to all food establishments, regardless of whether they are privately owned or run by government institutions. Crackdown enters a new phase Since taking charge as Maharashtra FDA Commissioner, Tukaram Mundhe has led one of the state's most aggressive food safety campaigns, with inspections across restaurants, hotels, clubs and other food establishments. Several businesses have faced licence suspensions or notices over alleged hygiene violations and non-compliance with food safety regulations. The department says it has conducted 1,131 inspections across Maharashtra—averaging more than 20 inspections every day. Officials say the drive has resulted in the seizure of food products worth Rs 50 crore, including 1.6 lakh litres of allegedly adulterated milk, suspension of licences of 56 restaurants and the invocation of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against organised gutkha syndicates.

Bombay High Court canteens were inspected after judges questioned whether Maharashtra FDA was targeting only private eateries. Violations were found at all three.

Bombay High Court canteens inspected after judges question Maharashtra FDA's 'selective' crackdown

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