In a massive crackdown, the Maharashtra FDA raided 11 food units in Thane, seizing over ₹20 lakh worth of unhygienic food stocks. The units were found operating in filthy conditions with pest infestations and missing licenses.
- FDA conducted surprise raids on 11 food manufacturing units in Khardi village, Thane.
- Seizure of 28,955 kg of food products and 56 liters of oil valued at ₹20.48 lakh.
- Gross violations found: presence of rats, cockroaches, and lack of basic hygiene.
- Licences of 10 high-profile hotels and restaurants suspended across Maharashtra.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra has launched a sweeping operation against substandard food manufacturing, resulting in the seizure of products, raw materials, and used edible oil worth ₹20.48 lakh. The operation targeted 11 establishments in the Khardi village area of Thane that were producing popular snacks like farsan, wafers, chivda, and namkeen.
Acting on a tip-off, officials inspected the premises on September 9, 2026. The findings were alarming; several units were operating without the mandatory food licenses required under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The production areas were described as hazardous, with sticky, oil-covered floors and temporary shed roofs that left food exposed to the elements.
Gross Sanitary Violations
The inspection revealed a complete disregard for public health. Officials reported infestations of cockroaches and rats within the production zones. Furthermore, the immediate surroundings were contaminated by stray animals, and wastewater was found accumulating outside the units, creating a foul-smelling environment. Workers were observed handling food in soiled clothing without the use of aprons, gloves, or headgear.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the spike in raids ahead of the festive season indicates a systemic failure in the small-scale food processing sector. The use of 'used edible oil' is particularly concerning as it contains trans fats and carcinogens that pose long-term health risks. This crackdown serves as a critical deterrent against the 'profit-over-health' mentality prevalent in unorganized food markets.
"Food safety is a non-negotiable right of the consumer; when manufacturers ignore basic sanitation, they are essentially distributing slow poison to the public."
The seized inventory included a wide array of products: potato wafers, Farali chivda, spicy and black pepper wafers, mixed farsan, shev, bhakarwadi, and banana chips. Additionally, raw materials like maida, besan, and pea flour, along with palmolein oil, were confiscated.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Weight Seized | 28,955 kg |
| Total Liquid Seized | 56 Liters |
| Total Monetary Value | ₹20,48,801.50 |
| Units Penalized | 11 Manufacturing Units |
Beyond the Thane raids, the FDA has tightened regulations for the festive season. Organizers of mass food distribution events must now provide a seven-day prior notice to the designated FDA officer. In a related move, the licenses of 10 renowned hotels and restaurants across Mumbai, Pune, and the Konkan division have been suspended due to similar compliance failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What specific items were seized during the raid?
A: The FDA seized a variety of snacks including chivda, bhakarwadi, and wafers, totaling nearly 29 tonnes of food and 56 liters of oil.
Q2: What are the new rules for festive food distribution?
A: Any organization planning mass food distribution must notify the FDA at least seven days in advance for safety scrutiny.
