FDA Conducts Massive Food Safety Drive Across Pune Division Ahead Of Festivals

To safeguard public health during the festive season, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an extensive food safety inspection drive across the Pune division between September 1 and September 23. The enforcement campaign targeted 849 food establishments, focusing on high-demand items such as sweets, khoya, milk, dairy products, edible oils, and fasting foods.

During the three-week operation, FDA officials issued formal improvement notices to 440 units for failing to meet basic food safety and hygiene standards. Pune division recorded the highest number of improvement notices issued across Maharashtra during this state-wide drive.

Beyond issuing warnings, inspectors seized approximately 46,266 kg of food stock suspected to be adulterated or non-compliant with legal standards. The total market value of the confiscated inventory is estimated at around ₹1.52 crore. In addition, officials collected 672 food samples from various outlets and dispatched them to certified laboratories for detailed chemical analysis to catch substandard ingredients.

Strict regulatory measures were enforced against repeat and severe offenders:

Licence Suspensions: The FDA suspended the operating licences of 69 food businesses due to serious hygiene violations.

Legal Action: Officials initiated 176 cases under Section 69 of the Food Safety and Standards Act against non-compliant establishments.

Fines Imposed: Out of the registered cases, 160 have already been disposed of marking the highest disposal rate among all divisions in the state resulting in total monetary penalties of ₹18.43 lakh.

The FDA emphasized that these preventive steps ensure consumers receive safe, unadulterated food products during peak festive celebrations. Stay tuned to know more about it and others only with us and if you have anything to share do comment below and share your thoughts.