IAS Tukaram Mundhe is a ‘rockstar’: Maharashtra FDA Commissioner shares NYT article about his drive

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra has suspended the licenses of eight food outlets during the festive season. Commissioner IAS Tukaram Mundhe led the food safety checks targeting poor hygiene and unsafe food handling. The FDA suspended five licences and cancelled three others after inspecting establishments in Mumbai, Andheri West, Santacruz West, Vile Parle and Bandra West.

The establishments suspended included Cafe Sultan in Kalina, Lo Fresh Food in Marol, Country Club and Suraj Lama Momos in Andheri West, and Cafe Pakeezah in Santacruz West. The FDA also cancelled Blinkit's licence in Vile Parle and Copenhagen Hospitality's licence in Vile Parle and Eatclubs in Bandra West. Inspectors found issues with food handling, storage, sanitation and cleanliness, leading to the violations.

In the Konkan division, officials seized ₹2.18 crore worth of prohibited food stock and arrested 14 people. In Pune, ₹1.38 lakh worth of prohibited food stock was seized, and 10 people were arrested. In Nashik, two establishments were inspected, resulting in two FIRs and two arrests. Maharashtra FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe clarified that the directive aims to prevent adulteration and ensure safe food during festivals and public gatherings, not to control festival celebrations or traditions.