Major crackdown by Maharashtra FDA on food chains and quick-commerce platforms ahead of Diwali

Ahead of the Diwali festival, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended 105 food business licenses after conducting a large-scale inspection drive across the state. This action was taken during a special Diwali campaign carried out on November 4 and 5, during which 28 licenses were suspended in Mumbai alone.

According to an NDTV report, licenses of major quick-commerce platforms such as Zepto (Worli) and Blinkit (Blink Commerce Private Limited) were suspended during this investigation in Mumbai. Additionally, similar actions were taken against popular food chains including Biryani By Kilo, Tossin Pizza (Worli), and Jumbo Burger.

During the inspections, suspicious unsafe or adulterated food stocks worth over ₹1.35 crore were seized from more than 69 establishments. Under this campaign, seven establishments were ordered to shut down completely. Of these seven, three were in Pune, two in Amravati, one in Mumbai, and one in the Konkan region.

Rajdhani Biryani Centre, located in Borivali, was ordered to shut down completely for violating the rules of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). In Nagpur, action was taken against a D-Mart outlet on Kamthi Road, where refined soybean oil was seized due to violation of license conditions.

Three First Information Reports (FIRs) have also been registered following this action against prohibited food products. Two individuals have been arrested and two vehicles have been seized in this legal proceeding.

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has warned that strict action will be taken against businesses that endanger public health. Referring to the provisions of the law, he stated that if death occurs due to the sale of unsafe food, there is a provision for life imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of food portals in the state. It works towards the regulation of food products, granting licenses, and inspecting food available in the market to protect the health of citizens.