Maharashtra FDA Staff Allege Double Shifts, Severe Work Pressure Amid Staff Shortage

Twenty-nine employees of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have alleged that they are being made to work double shifts because of a severe shortage of staff, claiming the increased workload is affecting the quality and accuracy of food, drug and cosmetic sample testing.

In a written complaint addressed to Maharashtra FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal on July 15, the employees from the FDA laboratory in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar alleged that the directives issued under FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe have resulted in extended working hours, restricted leave and mounting pressure to clear pending samples. What Items Are Banned Under Maharashtra FDA’s School Junk Food Rules? Check Full List.

Maharashtra FDA Employees Allege Double Shifts

According to the complaint, laboratory staff have been working beyond the standard government office schedule for the past month.

"According to the existing Government of Maharashtra policy, the laboratory's office hours are fixed from 9:45 AM to 6:15 PM. However, for the past month, following the Honorable Commissioner's directives, laboratory operations have been conducted in two shifts: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Staff and officers have been ordered to attend the office every Saturday," the employees wrote. Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licences of These 5 Clubs in Mumbai Over Food Safety Violations; Check Names Here.

They further alleged: "Instructions have been issued prohibiting the availing of any leave without prior permission."

Concerns Over Sample Testing

The employees said the current workload has made it difficult to carry out scientific testing within the required time.

According to the complaint, proper analysis requires adequate manpower, including laboratory assistants, cleaning staff and other support personnel, which they claim is currently lacking.

The employees stated that an analyst can typically conduct quality analysis of only 12 to 14 drug samples per month. For food testing, they cited the FSSAI advisory "Standards Specifications for Setting up of Basic Food Laboratory (2021)," which indicates that one analyst can analyse 40 to 50 food samples per month under normal staffing conditions.

However, they alleged that the number of samples received from drug inspectors and food safety officers exceeds the laboratory's analytical capacity, resulting in a growing backlog.

Employees Seek More Analysts

The staff urged the government to increase the number of analysts to improve testing capacity and reduce pending cases.

"Operating effectively in two shifts is not practically feasible. Under these circumstances, simply extending working hours or implementing a two-shift system does not guarantee a proportionate increase in the volume of sample analysis," they wrote.

According to the complaint, increasing manpower is necessary to ensure timely and accurate analysis of samples.

Health Concerns Raised

The employees also claimed that the extended working hours and absence of a weekly day off have affected their well-being.

They alleged that the increased workload and lack of weekly rest are "adversely affecting their mental and physical health."

They added: "Difficulties are also arising in fulfilling family responsibilities, which is likely to impact employee efficiency and, consequently, the quality of work within the laboratory," they said.

The allegations have surfaced at a time when the Maharashtra FDA has intensified inspections and enforcement action against food business operators accused of violating food safety norms across the state. There has been no immediate public response from FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe regarding the allegations made in the complaint.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 30, 2026 02:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).