Nashik FDA confiscates food items worth over Rs 1 lakh on suspicion of adulteration

Nashik: Food articles worth over ₹1 lakh were seized in a series of raids carried out by the Nashik Food and Drug Administration (FDA) across multiple locations on May 27, targeting suspected adulterated and unlicensed food businesses.

The crackdown began in the Nashik Road area, where officials, acting on specific information, raided a shop found operating without a valid licence. During the inspection, the team seized and sealed 1,584 bottles of two brands of caffeinated beverages and energy drinks, valued at over Rs 31,000, on suspicion of adulteration.

On the same day, the FDA conducted multiple raids across the district. At a snack shop in Panchavati, food items worth over Rs 13,000 were sealed, while in a separate action, soyabean oil stock valued at Rs 68,000 was seized. In Trimbakeshwar, paneer worth Rs 3,200 was sealed, and further raids in Igatpuri and Sinnar led to the seizure of sweetened carbonated drinks worth over Rs 2,400.

Senior FDA officers said the drive is part of a broader effort to clamp down on adulterated and substandard food products. They added that, acting on instructions from top officials, the department has begun gathering intelligence on businesses involved in such activities.

The seized food items remain in the custody of the respective traders, while samples have been sent for laboratory analysis. Joint commissioner Shrikant Karkale, who holds charge of the Nashik FDA, warned that strict action will follow if violations are confirmed.

“If the samples are found to be substandard or adulterated, strict legal action will be taken against the traders under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006,” he said, adding that the crackdown will continue in the future.