{
  "id": 17523749,
  "title": "Maharashtra FDA issues order to curb sale, repackaging of expired food items",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/01/maharashtra-fda-issues-order-to-curb-sale-repackaging-of-expired-food",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-11-01T02:57:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/maharashtra-fda-issues-order-to-curb-sale-repackaging-of-expired-food-items/article71650559.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mumbai - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra has issued a new order aimed at preventing the sale and repackaging of expired or spoiled food items, according to FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. During a press conference on Friday, October 30, 2026, Mundhe highlighted that instead of disposing of stale and expired food items correctly, they are merely being \"disposed of on paper.\" These products are resold after being repackaged by certain agents and sometimes, their production dates are even manipulated.\n\nThe FDA's crackdown on violations has extended from Domino's outlets to drug manufacturers, with 19 food establishments temporarily suspended. Inspections and re-inspections uncovered numerous deficiencies, including insect infestations, improper storage, use of spoiled food, burnt or overused cooking oil, inadequate pest control, and the failure to maintain proper food safety records.\n\nUnder the new order, companies found in violation will need to provide evidence of proper disposal of expired or spoiled food. They will also have to obtain a certificate of destruction from registered disposal companies with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. In recent days, the department has conducted operations across the state, resulting in the registration of two cases and the seizure of adulterated food worth ₹5 crore. Additionally, ₹80,000 and ₹26 lakh were seized from illegal activities in Bhiwandi and Vadpe, respectively. Licences have been suspended for individuals involved in illegal practices, and 32 people have been accused, including company owners. A total of 22 compliance orders have been issued to clarify rules for sectors such as hotels, milk and dairy products, edible oils, and school nutrition.",
  "summary": "Speaking at a press conference in October 30, Mr. Mundhe says that instead of destroying stale and expired food items properly, they are being “disposed of only on paper.” These goods are brought back after being repacked by some agents and then sold to citizens. In some cases, even the production dates are being manipulated",
  "key_points": [
    "Maharashtra FDA issues order to curb sale of expired food items.",
    "FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe highlights improper disposal practices.",
    "19 food establishments suspended, ₹5 crore in seizures."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Mandating certificates of destruction from registered disposal companies closes a loophole that allowed agents to manipulate production dates and resell spoiled goods as fresh products.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}