In a major pre-festive operation, the Maharashtra FDA seized over 95 tonnes of food products worth ₹4.45 crore across multiple districts including Pune and Ahilyanagar. The crackdown targeted substandard dairy products being transported without temperature control.
- Maharashtra FDA seized food products worth ₹4.45 crore during a 2-day drive.
- Over 75,000 kg of substandard butter was seized in Ahilyanagar.
- Major raids conducted in Ahilyanagar, Pune, Nashik, and Buldhana.
- Adulterated dairy products were found being transported in non-temperature controlled vehicles.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a massive crackdown to ensure food safety ahead of the festive season. In a sweeping operation spanning two days, officials seized more than 95 tonnes of food products and 172 litres of milk, with a total estimated value of approximately ₹4.45 crore.
Massive Butter Seizure in Ahilyanagar
The most significant seizure occurred in Ahilyanagar, where officials raided a cold storage facility. They confiscated 75,368.8 kg of pasteurized unsalted cooking butter, branded as “Madurama Creamy Delight.” The stock, valued at ₹3.95 crore, was suspected to be substandard and suffered from significant labeling deficiencies. Samples have been sent for rigorous laboratory testing.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the surge in food adulteration during festive periods like Ganesh Chaturthi poses a systemic risk to public health. The use of non-temperature-controlled vehicles for perishable dairy goods indicates a blatant disregard for safety protocols, potentially leading to widespread foodborne illnesses.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe warned that the department is closely monitoring food quality and will take strict action against anyone compromising public health.
Pune Operations and Adulteration Networks: In Pune, the FDA intercepted vehicles carrying adulterated paneer, khoya, and curd. Officials discovered that products, including paneer sourced from Karnataka, were being transported without proper invoices or temperature-control facilities. In a separate raid at Budhwar Peth, 4,627 kg of khoya was seized and subsequently destroyed. The total seizure in Pune amounted to 18,070.5 kg of products worth ₹43.27 lakh.
Nashik and Buldhana Inspections: In Nashik, officials seized 1,955 kg of barfi being transported from Gujarat. Meanwhile, in Buldhana, an inspection of a milk collection center revealed multiple violations, including a lack of registration, inadequate equipment, and failure to maintain required temperatures and hygiene records.
| Location | Items Seized | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Ahilyanagar | 75,000+ kg Butter | ₹3.95 Cr |
| Pune | Paneer, Khoya, Curd | ₹43.27 Lakh |
| Nashik | Barfi (Sweets) | ₹5.58 Lakh |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which districts were covered in the FDA crackdown?
The raids were conducted across Ahilyanagar, Pune, Nashik, and Buldhana.
2. What was the main reason for the seizure?
The primary reasons included substandard quality, lack of temperature control, improper labeling, and absence of legal invoices.
