Maharashtra FDA Chief Tukaram Mundhe Warns Stars That Influence Is Not Legal Immunity
Maharashtra FDA Chief Tukaram Mundhe backed President Droupadi Murmu's recent appeal to film personalities regarding endorsements of health-hazardous products, stating that fame does not grant legal immunity and commercial gains cannot override public health. When influence is used to endorse food products, public health cannot be an afterthought', he said.
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Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has strongly supported President Droupadi Murmu's recent appeal to film personalities regarding endorsements of health-hazardous products, asserting that star influence does not grant immunity from the law. The statement follows ongoing regulatory scrutiny directed at high-profile promotional campaigns across the state.
The Call for Endorsement Accountability
Mundhe’s remarks follow President Droupadi Murmu's address at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, where she emphasised that prominent actors hold immense sway over the youth and public habits. The President urged celebrities to avoid promoting items detrimental to public welfare, noting that a true star spreads positive impact rather than harm. Why Tukaram Mundhe-Led Maharashtra FDA Suspended Licence of Bandra's Dreamer Hospitality.
Influence Is Not Immunity, Says Tukaram Mundhe
Influence is not immunity.
Artists, like everyone else, must respect the law and recognise the responsibility that comes with endorsing products, behaviours and habits that shape public choices.
When influence is used to endorse food products, public health cannot be an…
— Tukaram Mundhe (@Tukaram_IndIAS) September 23, 2026
Echoing these views, Mundhe posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Influence is not immunity. Artists, like everyone else, must respect the law and recognise the responsibility that comes with endorsing products, behaviours and habits that shape public choices. When influence is used to endorse food products, public health cannot be an afterthought. In Maharashtra, we have already issued notices to artists for endorsements that raise concerns in the larger public interest."
He further said that no one is above the law. "And influence must never become a licence to promote what may harm public health. The principle is simple: no one is above the law, and no commercial interest can take precedence over public health," Mundhe added.
Regulatory Action and Notice Context
The warnings tie back to enforcement steps taken by the Maharashtra FDA, which issued show-cause notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff. The notices addressed advertisements for Vimal Elaichi, which regulators flagged as potential surrogate promotions for Vimal Pan Masala- a product restricted within the state. Mahalaxmi’s Gallops Restaurant Among 5 Establishments To Lose Licence in Maharashtra FDA Crackdown (Pics).
Mundhe previously clarified that the notices aim to ensure strict compliance with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines rather than targeting individuals personally. Under Section 24 and Section 53 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, publishers and endorsers of misleading food advertisements face statutory liabilities and penalties of up to INR 10 lakh.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2026 03:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
