Pune: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched a sweeping crackdown on banned gutka, adulterated food products, illegal medicines and misleading drug practices across the state, seizing goods worth over Rs34.7 crore in a month-long operation.The drive was carried out between May 25 and June 24, covering major regions — including Mumbai, Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur and Amravati. It led to 457 arrests, sealing of 322 establishments and seizure of 42 vehicles.Maharashtra FDA commissioner Tukaram Munde said, “The FDA’s strict enforcement is to ensure that people in the state have access to safe, quality and legal products. Any act that is fake, unlicenced, misleading or poses a threat to public health will not be tolerated. Strict legal action against the guilty will continue.”Officials carried out 904 raids during the period, targeting establishments involved in the sale, distribution, transport and manufacture of banned food products — such as gutka and pan masala — along with other food items found to be unsafe, misbranded or manufactured in unhygienic conditions, said an FDA statement on Thursday.The department said prohibited food products valued at Rs5.6 crore were seized in 446 raids. As many as 430 people were arrested, while 41 vehicles were confiscated.In a parallel operation for other food items, the FDA acted against 440 establishments and seized goods worth Rs29.1 crore. It included products like fruit beverages, tea powder, packaged drinking water, khoya, bakery items, candy, ghee, edible oil, dates, ice cream, frozen desserts and spice products. Around 431 establishments were inspected and 22 lakh kg of suspected stock seized for testing and further action.The FDA also intensified action against illegal medicine trade, fake and misleading products and violations under drug and cosmetic laws. In the drug division, 55 raids were conducted across 14 districts during the month. Products worth Rs5.5 crore were seized or subjected to prohibitory action. It included medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, unlicenced drugs, misbranded products, fake medicines and items linked to misleading advertisements. The department said nine FIRs were registered and two people arrested.Among the most serious cases was the seizure of 5,929 kg of methanol worth Rs3.6 lakh in connection with the Pune illicit liquor poisoning case. The FDA said the material was traced to a supplier in Bhiwandi and criminal proceedings were launched after his licence was cancelled.The department also took action in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region over violations related to medical devices and unlicenced glove sales. In one case, imported disposable gloves were allegedly sold without a valid drug licence and supplies sent to govt and municipal hospitals. In another instance, sterile and non-sterile glove standards were reportedly violated (prompting prohibition orders and product seizure), endangering public health and showing serious lapses in quality control and compliance.Further action was taken under the NDPS Act against tramadol capsules and codeine-based syrup, while separate cases were registered against counterfeit medicines and cosmetics and adulterated ayurvedic products. The department also moved against label violations and issued a recall notice to a company over non-compliant products. Officials said the legal process is continuing in all such cases.The FDA also urged citizens to raise issues regarding the quality of food products on the FoSCoS Portal, the Food Safety Connect app or the toll-free number 1800 222 365. For complaints regarding the drug department, email on jchq.fda-mha@nic.inFiguring it out– 904 raids conducted across Maharashtra– ₹34.7 crore worth of banned, unsafe and illegal stock seized– 457 people arrested– 322 establishments sealed– 42 vehicles seized– 446 raids against banned gutka and pan masala– ₹5.6 crore worth of prohibited food seized– 440 establishments face action for other food items– ₹29.1 crore worth of other food stock seized– 22,04,182 kg of suspected food stock seized– 55 drug-related raids across 14 districts– ₹5.5 crore worth of drugs, devices and related products seized or restricted– 9 FIRs registered and 2 arrests in drug-related cases
