Inspections uncover unhygienic conditions, expired products and licensing violations; more than 900 applications submitted following enforcement drive
The Maharashtra FDA has penalised 53 food traders in Sindhudurg as inspections uncover hygiene, licensing and expired-product violations, prompting more than 900 fresh applications.
By Rajan Chavan
Sindhudurg: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified inspections across Sindhudurg as part of a statewide campaign to enforce food safety regulations and bring unregistered food businesses under regulatory oversight.
The drive was launched under the guidance of FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe and is being implemented in Sindhudurg under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Lalit Gaikwad.
Officials have been inspecting hotels, bakeries and other food establishments to verify whether operators possess valid registrations and licences and comply with mandatory hygiene and food safety standards.
So far, the FDA has penalised 53 traders for various violations and recovered fines totalling approximately ₹55,000. Notices have also been issued to several establishments, directing them to rectify deficiencies within the prescribed period.
FDA officials also carried out a seizure operation against a trader in Vengurla.
Inspections conducted across the district reportedly uncovered unhygienic conditions, expired licences, substandard food products and stocks of items that had crossed their expiry dates. Establishments found to have minor deficiencies were instructed to take immediate corrective action.
The FDA has reiterated that valid registration or licensing is mandatory for every business involved in the manufacture, storage, packaging, distribution or sale of food products.
Food business operators must obtain the appropriate registration or licence based on their annual turnover and secure all other approvals required under state and central laws.
The department has warned that establishments operating without valid registration or licences could face stringent action, including monetary penalties, suspension of licences and closure.
The enforcement campaign has also led to a sharp rise in applications from food business operators seeking regulatory approval. According to the figures provided, more than 900 fresh applications for registration and licensing have been received in the district.
These include 849 applications for food business registration certificates and 66 applications for higher-category food licences.
Officials said the increase reflects growing awareness among food business operators about statutory requirements. They described the response as an encouraging outcome of the campaign to improve food safety and regulatory compliance across Sindhudurg.
