‘Society needs some shocks’: Mumbai civic chief lauds FDA drive under Tukaram Mundhe

Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has commended the aggressive crackdown on breaches of food safety and hygiene laws, asserting that the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) ongoing campaign is crucial for raising public awareness and stimulating demand for enhanced hygiene standards among citizens. She further praised FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe as a "mature officer".

Every individual possesses a distinct style of working, which renders bureaucracy versatile. Typically, everyone is aware that Bhide's guidelines serve as the authoritative framework within which officers operate. However, at times, society necessitates "shocks" and specific stimuli, as the absence of such triggers often prevents the subject from becoming a topic of discussion, Bhide told The Indian Express.

Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe is a seasoned professional who understands the importance of such initial disruption. Without it, nobody would pay any attention to the issue. Bhide is confident that Mundhe will establish robust systems, and he is projected to remain in the role for a period of two to three years. Mundhe needs to construct a system that will endure even after his tenure, she added.

Bhide further emphasized the necessity for systemic reform. The FDA's actions are commendable not only for adhering to their duties but also for raising awareness about safe food and the discipline required. The initiative is creating a window where people become more demanding, potentially leading to improvements in the system. However, the main challenge with such initiatives lies in their sustainability. For this, systemic changes are required, she noted.

BMC canteens and food delivery firms are currently under scrutiny. On July 23, the FDA identified violations of food safety standards at the canteen within the Brihanmumbai Municipal Commission's headquarters and revoked the contractor's license. Recently, the FDA suspended the licenses of 14 online food delivery companies, such as Zepto, Blinkit, and Instamart, following a state-wide inspection that uncovered serious food safety and hygiene violations.

These heightened FDA inspections and punitive measures followed Mundhe's appointment as FDA head in May 2026.