Maharashtra FDA Begins State-Wide Inspection Drive; Milk, Sweets, Dry Fruits & More Under Scrutiny

In a recent development, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra has launched a state-wide inspection drive. This move comes amid the festive season and aims to curb adulteration in food items. Many establishments have been checked, and several food samples have been collected for testing.

Maharashtra FDA’s State-Wide Food Inspection Drive

Maharashtra FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal told The Economic Times that the inspection is being carried out under the ‘San Maharashtra Cha-Sankalp Ann Surakshecha’ food campaign. The state-wide drive is focused on curbing food adulteration, which is quite common during the festive season.

So far, the department has inspected more than 1,594 establishments. Teams have collected 2,369 food samples, including milk, khoya, edible oil, sweets, dry fruits and chocolates, as they are popular festive items. Out of 554 samples tested, 513 were found to be standard, 26 substandard, four had labelling defects, and 11 were declared unsafe. Reports of 1,815 samples are still awaited.

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FDA Recruitment And Expansion

As per reports, the FDA has completed recruitment for over 200 vacant posts of Assistant Commissioners (Food) and Food Safety Officers since 2022. FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal also told The Economic Times that a proposal to create 750 new posts has been submitted to the Finance Department, which will further strengthen the FDA.

New food testing laboratories have also been set up in Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Pune. They are expected to be inaugurated soon. A proposal for 250 additional staff has also been submitted. Plus, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has sanctioned ₹200 crore for improving laboratory infrastructure. ₹25 crore has been given to the Haffkine Institute for the production of polio vaccines, and ₹1.5 crore for the production of anti-snake venom. These steps show that the Maharashtra FDA is working really hard for the public’s well-being.

The minister further added that medicine prices have been revised due to the latest GST reforms. Strict action will be taken against pharmacies that are not selling products at the new, reduced rates.

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The reports of the remaining food samples are now awaited. The inspection drive is a crucial step, especially during the festive season when the demand for food products is high. What are your thoughts on this? Do let us know in the comments. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ ArtemSH and subodhsathe (Representative Image)