The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raided 11 food units in Thane on September 9 and seized nearly 29 tonnes of food products and raw materials worth ₹20.48 lakh.
The raids were conducted in the Khardi village area along Shil-Diva Road following confidential information about units manufacturing and selling farsan, wafers, chivda, namkeen, and other food products.
What did the Maharashtra FDA seize?
The seized products included:
- Potato wafers, farali chivda, spicy wafers, and banana chips
- Mixed farsan, shev, bhakarwadi, and diet chivda
- Schezwan sticks and other finished food products
- Maida, besan, and pea flour
- Palmolein oil and used edible oil
FDA finds unhygienic conditions
During the inspections, officials found several food safety and hygiene lapses at the establishments. Some units reportedly did not have valid food licences, while production areas had dirty and sticky floors with oil and other residues.
The FDA also found inadequate drainage, which resulted in wastewater accumulating outside some units. Cockroaches and rats were found in and around certain establishments, while other animals such as cows, dogs, and cats were also present near the premises.
Officials further observed that some packaged food products did not carry labels that complied with regulations. Workers were also found preparing food in unclean clothing and without basic protective equipment such as aprons, gloves, and headgear.
Maharashtra FDA steps up food safety checks
The department has also directed organisers planning mass food distribution during festivals to submit prior notification through the Food and Drug Grievance Portal at least seven days before the event. (With Agency Inputs)
