Why Is Maharashtra FDA Targeting Restaurants? Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe Explains
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has defended action against restaurants over alleged hygiene violations, saying the regulator’s priority is ensuring safe food and medicines. He said inspections will expand to spices, edible oils, beverages and pharmacies, while the FDA also plans stricter action on overpriced medicines and antibiotic misuse.
Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has defended the department’s recent action against several well-known restaurants over alleged hygiene violations, saying the regulator’s primary responsibility is to ensure safe food and medicines rather than conduct routine inspections.
In an interview with The Economic Times, Mundhe said the notices issued to restaurants are part of a broader enforcement drive aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight. He added that the FDA will continue taking action against violations across the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Tukaram Mundhe-Led FDA Halts Operations at 2 Bombay High Court Canteens After 'Inspect Government-Run Cafeterias' Order.
‘Safe Food and Safe Drugs Are Our Responsibility’
Responding to questions about the notices served to prominent eateries, Mundhe said his role extends beyond carrying out administrative duties. “My role is to regulate and ensure that safe food and safe drugs are available," he told The Economic Times. He added that all food and pharmaceutical products manufactured in Maharashtra must comply with prescribed safety norms and quality standards.
Crackdown Extends Beyond Restaurants
Mundhe said the FDA has also acted against hospitals that allegedly compelled patients to buy medicines only from in-house pharmacies. According to him, the department has stopped the practice in several government hospitals across Nagpur, Pune, Mumbai, Solapur and Sangli. IWish AI Founder Chinmay Singh Criticises Maharashtra FDA Chief Tukaram Mundhe Over School Junk Food Ban.
He said patients should be free to purchase prescribed medicines from any licensed pharmacy, whether inside or outside hospital premises.
Spices, Edible Oils and Beverages Next Under Scanner
The commissioner indicated that future inspections will cover a wider range of products. He said spices and edible oils would be among the next categories to face increased scrutiny. He also noted that alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages fall under the FDA's jurisdiction, particularly with regard to quality standards and packaging.
According to Mundhe, these areas have not always received adequate regulatory attention.
Concerns Over Drug Prices and Antibiotic Misuse
Mundhe said the FDA has approached the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) over concerns regarding the pricing of medicines. He claimed that the department had identified cases where medicines costing very little to manufacture were being sold at significantly higher prices.
The commissioner also expressed concern over the misuse of antibiotics, stating that some pharmacies continue to sell them without valid prescriptions. He said the FDA is preparing stricter action against chemists and manufacturers found violating pharmaceutical regulations.
Addressing questions about political pressure, Mundhe said the department’s enforcement would remain impartial. He stressed that food safety and access to safe medicines cannot be compromised and that regulatory action would continue irrespective of the individuals or organisations involved.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 02, 2026 01:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).