MUMBAI: Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Tuesday said strict action would be taken against eateries operating near educational institutions if they are found violating food-safety norms, as the department intensifies inspections across the state.Mundhe said the FDA had held a video conference with senior Education Department officials and local administration representatives and directed them to act in “mission mode” against violations.“Instructions have been issued once again and they have been told to take this up in mission mode,” Mundhe said.He said the authorities had identified areas requiring immediate attention and that the Education Department and FDA had reviewed the situation.“This is just the beginning. Education Department has been instructed; we too have done a review and you will get to see a major impact in the coming 8-10 days,” he said.Mundhe said inspections were also being conducted at roadside eateries and other food establishments across Maharashtra, including outlets selling Chinese food and vada pav.“Cleanliness has increased but a lot still needs to be done and work is still underway,” he said, urging citizens to report unhygienic food establishments and avoid eating at such places.The commissioner also defended FDA action against a pharmaceutical company that had alleged the department acted arbitrarily. He said the action was taken under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945.“We had seized the product and ordered a recall, this was as per rules. They were also served a notice,” Mundhe said, adding that the FDA had sought details regarding the product’s licence from the Gujarat FDA and would take further action based on the findings.The remarks come amid an intensified food-safety enforcement drive across Maharashtra. Recent inspections have covered restaurants, hotels, roadside eateries and establishments supplying food through online delivery platforms, with authorities suspending licences and issuing improvement notices for violations.(With ANI inputs)
