Maharashtra FDA Warns Of Fake Agents For Licences

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public advisory warning citizens against fake agents who claim to secure food and drug licences by misusing the names of FDA officials and demanding money from applicants.

According to FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the department has not appointed any agent, intermediary, or private organisation to process or obtain food and drug licences. Mundhe urged applicants to use the official online licensing system themselves and report any demand for bribes immediately.

The advisory comes as the FDA has intensified inspections and enforcement against unhygienic food establishments, suspending and cancelling licences of several restaurants, cloud kitchens, and food businesses in recent weeks for violations of food safety norms.

The entire process of applying for and obtaining food and drug licences is completely online, eliminating the need for middlemen. Applicants can directly submit their applications and upload the required documents through the official portals — fdamfg.maharashtra.gov.in for drug licences and foscos.fssai.gov.in for food business licences.

The department has received information that some individuals are falsely presenting themselves as authorised FDA representatives and promising faster approvals in exchange for money. Such claims are fraudulent, and citizens are advised to be cautious.

Mundhe stated that if any third party or person using the name of an FDA officer demands money for processing a licence application, citizens should immediately file a complaint with the Commissionerate. The identity of the complainant will be kept strictly confidential.

The FDA has appealed to food business operators, drug manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and all prospective licence applicants to rely only on the official online system and avoid dealing with unauthorised agents.

The move is part of the FDA's efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the licensing process. By using the official online system, applicants can avoid falling prey to fraudulent agents and ensure that their applications are processed in a fair and efficient manner.

The FDA's crackdown on food safety violators is ongoing, and the department is committed to ensuring that all food establishments in Maharashtra adhere to strict food safety norms. The public advisory is a step in this direction, aiming to protect citizens from fraudulent activities and promote a safe and healthy food culture in the state.

In conclusion, the Maharashtra FDA's warning against fake agents is a timely reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the licensing process. By using the official online system and being cautious of fraudulent activities, citizens can help promote a safe and healthy food culture in the state.