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“6736 adjudication cases are pending, 8 posts sanctioned”
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Monday, 03 March, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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 The Ministry of Food and Drug Administration, Maharashtra, is responsible for consumer protection and regulation of food and drug related issues in Maharashtra. It is Maharashtra's primary instrument of consumer protection and a law enforcement agency.
Narhari Zirwal, Minister for FDA Maharashtra State, shares his thoughts on adulterated milk, public awareness and safety, food regulatory processes, adjudication and more, in an interaction with Manjushree Naik. Excerpts:
How is Maharashtra FDA dealing with adulterated milk menace in the State?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra has been actively combating the issue of milk adulteration through a series of stringent measures and legislative initiatives:State wide Inspections and Crackdowns - Sample Testing: On January 15, 2025, the FDA conducted a comprehensive survey, collecting 1,084 milk samples from 162 companies across the state. The analysis revealed that 109 samples contained sodium chloride, 14 had sodium, one was laced with sugar, and another lacked the prescribed fat content.
Midnight Operations: In a significant operation on the nights of February 12 and 13, 2025, we conducted a surprise inspection of 98 milk tankers at Mumbai's toll nakas. One tanker was turned back due to non-compliance with quality standards.
Adulteration Rackets: In August 2024, a joint operation by the FDA and police in Beed district uncovered a milk adulteration racket, seizing approximately 600 gunny bags of adulterants valued at Rs 25 lakh. FIR is launched against the accused.
Public Awareness and Safety:
Consumer Guidance: The FDA advises consumers to remain vigilant by checking for manufacturer details, expiry dates, and FSSAI licence numbers on milk packaging to ensure product authenticity and quality. Through these concerted efforts, Maharashtra's FDA aims to safeguard public health by ensuring the purity and quality of milk and dairy products in the State.The State of Maharashtra is in the process of purchasing of 25 new mobile food testing vehicles to conduct regular surveillance and testing of food product to ensure compliance with food standards.
How is Maharashtra FDA addressing the concerns linking it to the Guillain- Barre Syndrome in the State?
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is actively addressing the recent surge in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases across the state. As of February 19, 2025, there have been 211 reported cases, with 183 confirmed diagnoses. The outbreak has been particularly concentrated in Pune and its surrounding regions.The Maharashtra FDA, in collaboration with central agencies, continues to monitor the situation closely. Efforts are focused on ensuring the safety of water sources, providing medical care to affected individuals, and preventing further cases through public health interventions.
How can Maharashtra FDA improve the efficiency of food regulatory processes?
Maharashtra's FDA can improve the efficiency of its food regulatory process through several strategic initiatives: Mobile Food Testing Labs: Deploy rapid testing units across districts to reduce testing turn- around time and ensure compliance with the food standards; Enhancing Industry Compliance by carrying out regular inspections and sampling; Self-Regulation for Businesses: Introduce a certification programme where compliant businesses undergo fewer inspections; Simplified Licensing Process: Digitise and streamline FSSAI licensing and renewal processes; Training & Awareness for Vendors: Conduct workshops to educate street food vendors and small businesses on hygiene standards; Consumer Complaint Portal: Improve the existing online complaint system with faster response times.Toll free number 1800 22 2365 is made functional 24 X7; Public Awareness Campaigns: IEC Activities: The FDA utilises various Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) channels, including social media, TV, and local cable TV, to educate the public.
Give us details about Maharashtra FDA collaborating with Government bodies to enhance food safety.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration collaborates with various government bodies to enhance food safety across the state. Key initiatives include:District Level Advisory Committees (DLACs): Established under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, DLACs operate in all 36 districts of Maharashtra. Chaired by the District Magistrate or Collector, these committees convene quarterly to address food safety challenges and ensure effective implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Collaborative Awareness Campaigns: In partnership with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the FDA conducts extensive food safety awareness programmes. Notably, under the "Eat Right Challenge" initiative, the FDA organised webinars and workshops aimed at educating food business operators and the public on hygiene and safety standards.
Festival-Specific Initiatives: During major festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, the FDA collaborates with local authorities to educate festival organisers and vendors on food hygiene. This proactive approach includes workshops and inspections to ensure the distribution of safe and unadulterated food offerings.
Infrastructure and Capacity Building: Recognising the need for robust food testing facilities, the FDA has highlighted the necessity for enhanced infrastructure and staffing. Collaborations with the state government aim to address these gaps, ensuring timely and accurate food sample analyses.
Through these collaborative efforts, the Maharashtra FDA strives to uphold and enhance food safety standards, ensuring public health and consumer protection across the state.
What preventive measures are being implemented against unlicensed FBOs?
Preventive Measures Against Unlicensed Food Business Operators - The FDA Maharashtra has implemented several measures to tackle non-licensed food business operators. These measures include:Conducting Food License and Registration Camps: The FDA organises camps to facilitate food licensing and registration for business operators; Training and Awareness Programmes: The FDA arranges training sessions to educate food business operators about the importance of licensing and registration; 24/7 Helpline: A dedicated helpline number is available for citizens and food business operators to seek assistance and clarification on their queries; Public Awareness Campaigns: The FDA creates awareness among the general public through newspaper advertisements, highlighting the importance of licensed food business operators.IEC Activities: The FDA utilises various Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) channels, including social media, TV, and local cable TV, to educate the public about the risks associated with unlicensed food business operators.
What role does Maharashtra FDA play in ensuring the safety and standard of domestic as well as foreign food products entering the State?
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and standards of both domestic and foreign food products entering the state. Its responsibilities include:
Regulation & Licensing of Food Businesses: The FDA ensures that all food businesses, including importers and domestic manufacturers, comply with FSSAI regulations before distributing products in Maharashtra.
Strict Import Surveillance for Foreign Food Products: Port & Border Inspections: The FDA, along with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), monitors imported food items at airports, seaports, and border entry points. Customs Collaboration: The FDA works closely with the Customs Department to ensure that imported food meets Indian safety standards before being allowed into the market. Random Sampling & Testing: Imported food products undergo random quality tests at FSSAI-approved laboratories to check for contaminants, adulteration, and compliance with labelling standards.
Domestic Food Product Monitoring: Regular Market Surveillance: The FDA inspects local food manufacturers, storage warehouses, and retail markets to prevent food adulteration and ensure compliance with safety norms.Rapid Action Against Violations: If a product fails safety tests, the FDA seizes unsafe food items, imposes penalties, and may suspend licences. Festival & Seasonal Inspections: Special drives are conducted during festivals and high-consumption seasons to check for adulteration in dairy products, sweets, and other food items.
Strengthening Food Testing Infrastructure: Maharashtra’s FDA operates multiple food testing laboratories to ensure all food samples meet safety standards.Plans are underway to establish more modern labs with rapid food testing technologies to reduce delays in identifying adulterated food.
Consumer Awareness & Public Safety Initiatives
The FDA runs awareness campaigns to educate consumers on identifying fake or adulterated food. It has launched helpline numbers and online complaint portals where consumers can report unsafe food products.
Coordination with National & International Food Safety Agencies
The FDA works closely with FSSAI, Customs, and health departments to ensure global safety standards are met. It aligns Maharashtra’s food safety regulations with Codex Alimentarius (international food standards) for better monitoring of imported food items. By implementing these measures, Maharashtra’s FDA plays a vital role in protecting public health, ensuring food quality, and maintaining strict regulatory control over domestic and foreign food products entering the state.
Tell us about Maharashtra FDA budgeting and resources allocation to effectively carry out its regulatory responsibilities in the State.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to strengthen food safety regulations in the state to ensure food safety and hygiene in the state. The MoU aims to enhance the capacity of Maharashtra FDA officials in food safety inspection, testing, and enforcement.
Joint Initiatives: Maharashtra FDA and FSSAI undertake joint initiatives to promote food safety awareness and enforcement in the state.
Key Objectives
- Strengthening of enforcement and compliance system
- Strengthening of food testing system
- Implementation of various initiatives under the Eat Right India movement in a focussed manner
- Any other matter consequential to ensuring food safety.
In order to meet the cost of various elements of the work plan under MoU,FSSAI and the State will provide 60% and 40% of the total cost respectively excluding activities/ items under Central Sector Scheme where FSSAI is required to provide 100% financial assistance.
Tell us about the adjudication scenario in the State with regard to food products.
Currently, a total of 6736 adjudication cases are pending for decision in the state and a total of 8 posts of Adjudication Officers have been sanctioned. A proposal was submitted to the government to create 25 new posts after reviewing the number of pending cases and the cases that will be filed after the recruitment of future Food Safety Officers.Administrative approval yet to be received for the same.
What plans are on the anvil to initiate new schemes to ensure food safety in the State?
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has implemented several initiatives to ensure food safety in the state. Some of the key schemes include: Food Safety on Wheels: A mobile food testing laboratory to reach remote areas and test food samples; Awareness Campaigns: Educating consumers, food business operators, educating consumers about food safety laws and hygiene practices. Conducting training programmes for food handlers and supervisors; Regular Raids and Sampling: Conducting regular raids and collecting samples from dairy farms, processing plants, and distribution centres to check for adulteration. These initiatives aim to improve food safety in Maharashtra and protect consumers from adulterated milk.
How is Maharashtra FDA dealing with food recalls such as that of Patanjali chilli powder recently?
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has established a robust process to handle food recalls effectively. Here's an overview: Recall Initiation: The FDA receives information about potentially hazardous food products through consumer complaints, surveillance, or testing. Risk Assessment: The FDA conducts a risk assessment to determine the severity of the issue and potential harm to consumers. Recall Classification: The FDA classifies recalls into three categories: Class I: High-risk recalls, where the product poses a significant health risk; Class II: Moderate-risk recalls, where the product may cause temporary or reversible health effects; Class III: Low-risk recalls, where the product is unlikely to cause harm. Recall Notification: The FDA notifies the manufacturer, distributors, and retailers about the recall and provides instructions on how to proceed; Public Notification: The FDA issues a public notice to inform consumers about the recall and provides information on how to identify and return affected products; Recall Effectiveness: The FDA monitors the recall process to ensure that all affected products are removed from the market; Follow-up Actions: The FDA conducts follow-up inspections and testing to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. The Maharashtra FDA also collaborates with other agencies, such as the Central Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI), to share information and best practices on food recalls.
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