Pune FDA Suspends 3 Licences, Seizes ₹19.90 Lakh Worth Products

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Pune has taken strict action against hotels and restaurants in the region, suspending the licences of three establishments and seizing food products worth ₹19.90 lakh. The action was taken during a special inspection drive conducted between August 17 and 20, as part of the ‘Safe Food, Safe Drug, Safe Maharashtra’ campaign.

The campaign, launched by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Munde, aims to ensure that food establishments in the state adhere to strict safety and hygiene standards. During the inspections, FDA officials found major violations of food safety and hygiene standards, prompting immediate action against the establishments.

The licences or registrations of M/s Baba’s Kitchen, M/s Ambrosios, and M/s Sapphire Foods (KFC) have been suspended. At Baba’s Kitchen, officials found violations of food safety requirements, including the use of food colours in food products and the presence of cockroaches and insects. At Ambrosios, inspectors found expired food products, major unhygienic conditions, and the presence of cockroaches and insects.

At the KFC storage facility in Bavdhan, officials found food products being stored in an area that was not mentioned in the original FSSAI licence. The cold storage facility on the fifth floor also had a malfunctioning air-conditioning system, resulting in water leakage and the accumulation of ice directly on food boxes.

The FDA also seized food products worth ₹19.90 lakh from five establishments on suspicion of adulteration and labelling violations. In Solapur district, officials seized 3,800 kg of rabdi and gulab jamun premix, valued at ₹5.23 lakh. In Kolhapur, 62 kg of pedha, worth ₹16,000, was seized from one establishment, while 156 kg of sweet halwa, valued at ₹1.40 lakh, was destroyed after it was found to be expired.

In Pune district, the FDA seized 5,088 kg of khichdi masala and 4,498 kg of toasted soya grits from Indo Allied Protein Foods Pvt. Ltd. in Mahalunge. The company supplies food to anganwadis in Pune district. The seized products were valued at ₹9.57 lakh.

The action taken by the FDA is a significant step towards ensuring that food establishments in the region adhere to strict safety and hygiene standards. The ‘Safe Food, Safe Drug, Safe Maharashtra’ campaign aims to protect the health and well-being of consumers in the state.

The FDA's crackdown on hotels and restaurants is a reminder that food safety is a top priority, and establishments that fail to meet safety and hygiene standards will face strict action. The campaign is expected to continue in the coming days, with more inspections and raids planned across the state.

In conclusion, the Pune FDA's action against hotels and restaurants is a significant step towards ensuring food safety in the region. The campaign is a reminder that food establishments must adhere to strict safety and hygiene standards, and those that fail to do so will face strict action.

The action taken by the FDA is also a wake-up call for consumers, who must be aware of the food they eat and the establishments they visit. By choosing to eat at establishments that adhere to strict safety and hygiene standards, consumers can protect their health and well-being.

Overall, the Pune FDA's crackdown on hotels and restaurants is a positive step towards ensuring food safety in the region, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the food industry in the state.