FDA cracks down on adulteration, gutkha trade in Marathwada

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) massive crackdown across seven districts falling under the FDA’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division led to the seizure of prohibited food products worth Rs2.47 crore in nine days.

The intensified action comes in the wake of the appointment of Tukaram Mundhe as commissioner of the FDA, following which the department has stepped up its drive against food adulteration networks and gutka smugglers operating across Maharashtra.

According to FDA assistant commissioner Shrikant Karkarale, raids were conducted in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Beed, Parbhani, Hingoli, Latur and Nanded districts between June 1-9. During the operation, FDA teams carried out searches at 27 locations and unearthed large quantities of prohibited and suspicious food products allegedly being stored, transported and sold in violation of regulations.

As per official figures released by the FDA, nine criminal cases were registered and nine people were arrested. The department also sealed six establishments allegedly linked to the storage or distribution of prohibited products.

In addition to this, FDA teams also seized eight vehicles that were allegedly being used for the transportation of gutkha and other banned substances. The combined value of the vehicles is estimated at around Rs 75.5 lakh. Officials said the seizure of transport vehicles was aimed at disrupting the supply chain of illegal products and preventing their further distribution in the market.

The FDA stated that the operation was directed against individuals and networks engaged in activities that pose a threat to public health. Authorities have maintained that the sale and distribution of banned and adulterated food products adversely affect consumers and warrant strict enforcement measures.

Karkarale said the department has adopted a tough stance against those involved in the clandestine sale of prohibited products and food adulteration. He added that the campaign would not end with the recent raids and would be intensified further across the Marathwada region in the coming months.

Officials believe the coordinated action has dealt a major blow to organised food adulteration and gutkha distribution networks operating in the division. The FDA has indicated that similar drives will continue in order to curb illegal trade practices and ensure that food products reaching consumers comply with prescribed safety standards.

The nine-day enforcement drive resulted in 27 raids, seizure of goods worth Rs 2.47 crore, registration of nine FIRs, arrest of nine accused, sealing of six establishments and confiscation of eight vehicles allegedly used for transporting banned products.