Articles worth over Rs15.8 lakh seized by FDA in weeklong raids

Nashik: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has launched a crackdown on food business operators across Nashik district to ensure consumers receive safe, unadulterated and quality food products.As part of the drive conducted between May 28 and June 4, FDA officials carried out inspections at multiple establishments and seized food articles and prohibited products collectively worth over Rs 15 lakh.Senior FDA officials said the department is continuously gathering confidential information about establishments allegedly selling substandard food items and taking action against violators.Acting on a tip-off that ice cream and frozen desserts were being manufactured under unhygienic conditions at Madasangvi, FDA officials raided the unit and seized stock worth Rs 8,000.On the same day, the department inspected a chikki manufacturing unit in Niphad and confiscated peanut chikki stock valued at Rs 15,200. In another action, soybean oil being sold loose at a shop in Chandwad was seized for violating food safety norms.FDA officials said similar inspections and enforcement operations were conducted in Igatpuri, Sinnar, Khode Nagar and Panchavati in Nashik city, as well as Deola, Peth, Malegaon and Girnare.During the seven-day drive, officials collected samples of khoya (mawa), farsan, caffeinated beverages, milk and loose edible oil for laboratory analysis. Large quantities of state-banned food products, including gutka and scented tobacco, were also seized from individuals and transporters in Igatpuri, Deola, Panchavati and Mumbai Naka."The department is continuously gathering confidential information regarding the sale of substandard and adulterated food products. Strict action is being taken against violators to safeguard public health," an FDA official said.The drive is being conducted under the directives of Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe and the guidance of Joint Commissioner (Food) Shrikant Karkale.Officials have appealed to citizens to immediately report instances of food adulteration or related violations through the FDA's toll-free helpline, 1800-222-365.