Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe Defends Crackdown, Cites Strict Safety Focus (Video)
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has dismissed criticism of the department's recent inspections, stating that out of 3,000 checks, only 165 licenses were cancelled for severe violations, prioritising public health above all. He also said that remaining establishments found meeting basic guidelines were permitted to continue operations after rectifying minor issues.
Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has dismissed recent criticisms directed at the department's aggressive enforcement drive, stating that claims alleging indiscriminate targeting of eateries lack factual backing.
Data Shows Measured Approach to Inspections
Addressing concerns over the statewide regulatory crackdown, Mundhe pointed out that the volume of punitive actions remains modest relative to the scale of field evaluations conducted over recent months. Maharashtra FDA Chief Tukaram Mundhe Shares Essential Food Safety Tips for Diners (Video).
Tukaram Mundhe's Interview With Forbes India
“If you look at the data, in the last two months, more than 3,000 inspections have taken place, along with other actions. I'm talking about just inspections, of which only 165 licences were cancelled and more than 750 were given improvement notices,” Mundhe told Forbes. He added that remaining establishments found meeting basic guidelines were permitted to continue operations after rectifying minor issues.
The commissioner emphasised that the regulatory measures are strictly aimed at upholding public health standards rather than arbitrarily penalizing commercial establishments. “The criticism is absolutely not as per the facts. These are the hard facts you have to appreciate,” Mundhe noted, underlining that eateries showing compliance after receiving warnings were allowed to resume business.
Zero Tolerance for Severe Violations
Mundhe explained that licence cancellations were strictly restricted to grave infractions involving unsafe food or fundamental breaches of safety regulations. Such operators are barred from functioning until full compliance is legally verified. “That's why those actions were taken in the public health interest. Otherwise, public health is compromised, and we are here to protect public health,” he stated.
Equal Enforcement Across All Establishments
Addressing whether inspections distinguish between popular legacy brands and smaller vendors, Mundhe maintained that the department's sole focus remains food safety standards across the board. “For me, it is not either legacy, big or small. It is just about food,” he said, adding that safety concerns impact every demographic, from children to senior citizens. Tukaram Mundhe Says ‘I Am No Celebrity’, Dismisses ‘Internet Fame’ Amid Food Safety Crackdown (Video).
Mundhe concluded, “We have to ensure that the food served, prepared, transported and sold is as per the standards and safe. Otherwise, we are compromising the health of the people, not only of this generation but of future generations as well."
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 30, 2026 03:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
