Mumbai: Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Munde has defended the department’s action against a Pune based sweets shop after the Bombay High Court ordered the FDA to pay ₹5 lakh to the establishment.
Munde said the department was surprised by the court’s decision but would examine the written order before deciding its next legal step. He maintained that the original action was justified on public health grounds and said the FDA would stand by its findings.
According to the FDA, the case involved suspected food poisoning after several consumers fell ill following consumption of products from the shop. The establishment’s food licence was suspended on June 12 after an inspection found multiple hygiene and sanitation shortcomings.
The shop subsequently submitted a compliance report. During a reinspection on July 13, officials found that 35 of 36 prescribed parameters had been complied with, amounting to 98 per cent compliance. The High Court subsequently set aside the continued suspension, permitted the shop to resume operations and directed the FDA to pay ₹5 lakh within 30 days.
Munde said the department would consider further legal action after receiving the detailed court order.
The FDA has continued its broader food safety enforcement campaign across Maharashtra. During a special inspection drive on August 13 targeting establishments selling food through online delivery platforms, officials inspected 86 establishments. One was ordered to stop operations, 60 improvement notices were issued and 14 food business licences were suspended.
The department also seized 698 kg of milk and dairy products worth ₹34,302. In separate action against banned products including gutkha and pan masala, 10 FIRs were registered, nine people were arrested and stock valued at ₹46.76 lakh was seized.
Munde urged citizens and food businesses to actively participate in improving food safety. He said the long term goal should be complete self compliance, reducing the need for regulatory intervention.
He stressed that safe food and medicines are essential to building a healthier and stronger India.
