The Maharashtra FDA action continues to shake up food suppliers across Mumbai after regulators caught major beverage manufacturers violating safety standards. Officials suspended the food license of M/s Parle Agro following a sudden raid on its Chembur warehouse.
During the inspection, officers discovered expired stocks of iconic beverage brands, including Frooti, Appy, and Apple Fizz. Consequently, authorities seized products valued at ₹99,970 from the Velocity Express Warehouse near Chembur Naka.
Meanwhile, this decisive enforcement drive operates directly under Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. Ever since taking office in May 2025, Mundhe has spearheaded unannounced raids across the entire state supply chain.
- Key Statistics from Ongoing Inspections:
- 109 eateries, dhabas, and hotels inspected through mid-August.
- 49 formal improvement notices issued to non-compliant businesses.
- 14 quick-commerce dark store licenses suspended in a single day.
- ₹49.57 Crore total worth of unsafe contraband seized state-wide.
Also Read : Shah Rukh Khan Tobacco Ad Notice: FDA Issues Legal Notices to Top Actors
Unannounced Raids Expose Hygiene Lapses in Quick Commerce
As Maharashtra FDA action continues, regulators have dramatically widened their scope beyond traditional restaurants. Inspections now target high-speed grocery delivery hubs, exposing severe sanitation issues in dark stores.
For instance, officers found live cockroaches crawling through storage areas at a Bandra delivery facility on Hill Road. Furthermore, inspectors documented rodent droppings, thick cobwebs, and unpacked food items resting directly on dusty floors.
Similarly, another quick-commerce dark store in Andheri West stored raw chicken past its expiration date. Therefore, the FDA suspended licenses for ten delivery chains, including Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and Blinkit.
“If platforms or quick-commerce sites fail to follow prescribed food safety regulations, we will take immediate action against them.”
— Tukaram Mundhe, Commissioner, Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration
- Critical Failures Documented During Raids:
- Pest Infestations: Live cockroaches and rat droppings near active inventory.
- Spoiled Products: Expired meat products and rotting produce inside cold storage.
- Structural Deficiencies: Rusted storage racks, chipped flooring, and absent pest-proofing.
High-Profile Notices and Celebrity Endorsements
The Maharashtra FDA action continues to generate public attention by holding celebrity brand ambassadors accountable. Recently, the regulatory body served official show-cause notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff.
These legal notices cite their participation in promotional campaigns for Vimal Elaichi. Authorities allege these advertisements function as surrogate marketing for prohibited tobacco and pan masala products.
Consequently, the stars have 15 days to submit a detailed written explanation regarding their endorsement agreements. Regulatory officials warned that unsatisfactory replies will trigger formal legal proceedings under food safety acts.
- Recent Targets of Regulatory Enforcement:
- Parle Agro Godown: Sealed due to expired beverage inventories.
- Celebrity Endorsers: Issued show-cause notices for surrogate tobacco promotions.
- High Court Canteens: Instructed to halt operations over missing FSSAI licenses.
- Bollywood Cafe: Cited for dirty utensils and heavy fly infestations.
Consumer Directives and Stricter Compliance Rules
As the Maharashtra FDA action continues, Commissioner Mundhe urges consumers to remain vigilant when ordering food items online. Buyers must verify manufacturing dates, batch details, and expiry labels before consuming delivered goods.
Additionally, the FDA established dedicated toll-free helplines so citizens can report missing label details directly. Thus, public participation strengthens the state’s ongoing enforcement efforts.
Ultimately, this ongoing campaign sends an unmistakable message across the Indian food industry. Establishments must strictly uphold public safety, regardless of brand reputation or market share.