FDA suspends licences of 21 Pune food outlets, seizes goods worth Rs 50.65 lakh

The development comes a day after the FDA suspended the food business licences of several prominent Mumbai clubs for serious hygiene and food safety violations.FDA Suspendes licences of 21 food establishment in Pune (photo: AI-generated)The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of 21 food establishments across the Pune division after inspections uncovered multiple violations of food safety norms under the state's 'Safe Food, Safe Drug, Safe Maharashtra' campaign.The development comes a day after the FDA suspended the food business licences of several prominent Mumbai clubs for serious hygiene and food safety violations, as the regulator intensified its statewide crackdown on eateries and food businesses under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe's leadership.The inspections in the Pune division were conducted between July 23 and July 29, during which officials identified violations relating to hygiene, food handling, licensing, storage and labelling.Among the establishments against which action was taken in Pune are Blinkit Commerce Private Limited in Viman Nagar, Hotel Laxman on Prabhat Road, Punjabi Chef in Mundhwa, Madina Family Restaurant in Bhawani Peth, Hina Bakery on Sinhagad Road, Madhav Biryani in Mundhwa and Indian Bakery in Narhe. Several establishments in Satara and Kolhapur also had their licences suspended during the drive. The enforcement campaign also resulted in the seizure of food items worth approximately Rs 50.65 lakh from 12 establishments. According to the FDA, officials suspected adulteration in some products, while others were found to be improperly stored or carrying incorrect labels.The seized stock includes ghee, jaggery, white sugar, buffalo milk, refined palm oil, curd, paneer, chakli, farsan, dry fruits, soan papdi, toast, biscuits, sugar-coated confectionery and malai kulfi. Samples of white sugar and refined palm oil have been sent for laboratory analysis after officials suspected adulteration. The confiscated material has been placed in official custody pending test results, which will determine the nature of further proceedings against the establishments concerned.FDA Pune Division Joint Commissioner D V Bhogawade said food businesses operating without valid licences or violating food safety regulations would face action under the relevant provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.CRACKDOWN WIDENS ACROSS MAHARASHTRAThe Pune action is the latest in a series of enforcement measures launched by the Maharashtra FDA under the 'Safe Food, Safe Drug, Safe Maharashtra' campaign. Since taking charge as FDA Commissioner in May, IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe has overseen an aggressive statewide drive against food adulteration, unhygienic kitchens and violations of food safety norms, with inspections covering restaurants, hotels, bakeries, dairies and other food businesses.On Tuesday, the FDA suspended the licences of several prominent Mumbai clubs after inspections allegedly found serious food safety lapses. The regulator said the action formed part of its wider campaign to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act and warned that establishments failing to maintain prescribed hygiene standards would face stringent action.Defending the ongoing drive amid criticism from sections of the hospitality industry, Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the campaign was aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring that food businesses comply with safety standards. He maintained that the enforcement exercise was not intended to target any particular establishment but to ensure that consumers receive safe and hygienic food, while warning that violations would invite strict regulatory action.- EndsPublished On: Jul 30, 2026 16:04 IST