Maharashtra FDA bans loose spice powder sales, orders Statewide crackdown on adulteration

Manufacturers have been directed to maintain clean, dry and pest-free premises, with drying spices on public roads, near drains, garbage bins or cattle sheds strictly prohibited. Image for the purpose of representation only. | Photo Credit: File The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has prohibited the sale of loose, unpackaged spice powders and mixed spices across the State as part of a crackdown on adulteration, unhygienic manufacturing practices and misleading labelling. The order, issued by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Thursday (October 15, 2026) mandates stricter safety standards across the spice supply chain, from manufacturing to retail sale.The directive covers manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, e-commerce operators, hotels, restaurants and caterers dealing in spices, including turmeric, chilli, coriander, cumin, black pepper and mixed spice products. All spice powders and mixed spices must be packed and sealed at the place of production before distribution or sale.The FDA has banned the use of prohibited colouring agents, including Metanil Yellow, Rhodamine B, Sudan dyes and Lead Chromate, along with adulterants such as brick powder, chalk, sawdust, and foreign starch. The sale of inferior-quality spices and spices from which extracts have been removed is also prohibited.The order further prohibits the use of ethylene oxide for sterilising spices, citing its potential carcinogenic effects. Spices will be tested for pesticide residues, aflatoxins, heavy metals, and other contaminants.Manufacturers have been directed to maintain clean, dry and pest-free premises, with drying spices on public roads, near drains, garbage bins or cattle sheds strictly prohibited. All operators must possess valid FSSAI licences or registrations, as a trade licence alone will not authorise spice manufacturing or grinding.Packaged spices must carry mandatory information, including ingredients, manufacturer details, FSSAI licence number, batch number and manufacturing and expiry dates. Unsubstantiated claims regarding purity, organic production or health benefits will attract action.Action to extend beyond retailersIn cases of adulteration, the FDA will trace the source of contamination and investigate manufacturers, grinding units, repackaging businesses and suppliers of prohibited substances, rather than restricting action to retailers.Officials will examine purchase records, production details and batch numbers to identify violations. Depending on their severity, action may include seizure of products, market recalls, suspension or cancellation of licences and prosecution.Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, selling substandard food can attract fines of up to ₹5 lakh, while misleading advertisements can result in penalties of up to ₹10 lakh. Cases where unsafe food causes death can attract imprisonment ranging from seven years to life, along with a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh.The FDA has directed food safety officers across Maharashtra to conduct compliance inspections and submit monthly enforcement reports. Designated Officers must report to Divisional Joint Commissioners by the third of every month, while consolidated reports must reach the Commissioner’s office by the fifth.Consumers can report suspected adulteration, unhygienic production or misleading labelling through the FDA’s toll-free helpline, 1800 222 365, or its online grievance portal at complaints.mahafda.in. Published - October 15, 2026 08:12 pm IST