Goal is safe food, safe drugs, safe Maharashtra: FDA Commissioner Tukaram Munde

In an exclusive conversation with India Today TV's Rajdeep Sardesai, Tukaram Munde, Food Safety Commissioner and FDA Commissioner of Maharashtra, addressed the ongoing crackdown on eateries, clubs, and food establishments across Mumbai and Maharashtra. Responding to criticisms regarding license suspensions of iconic locations, Munde asserted that the departmental enforcement aims to ensure safe and healthy food for all citizens rather than serving as a personal crusade. He explained that regulations implemented under the Food Safety and Standards Act have shifted the regulatory focus from merely preventing adulteration to enforcing comprehensive food safety standards. Emphasising the department's strategy, Munde stated, "Goal is safe food, safe drugs, safe Maharashtra," driven by public empowerment, enabling businesses, and strict law enforcement. He clarified that license suspensions are temporary measures given when food safety is compromised, allowing businesses two weeks to rectify deficiencies and resume operations upon compliance.