Meet the IAS officer leading Maharashtra's toughest food safety crackdown

Maharashtra's FDA has launched a statewide drive against milk adulteration under commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. The action has exposed synthetic milk units, disrupted supplies and sparked calls for compliance time.

In Short

• The enforcement drive began on 25 May with tighter checks statewide
• Videos showed people dumping milk into drains to evade inspections
• K Rustom ice cream parlour's licence was suspended over hygiene violations

A massive, state-wide crackdown on milk adulteration is underway in Maharashtra, led by the Food and Drug Administration, which has unearthed synthetic milk production units and severe food safety violations.

The sweeping enforcement drive began May 25, the day IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe assumed office as FDA commissioner. Under his leadership, the agency issued an order tightening food safety norms across the entire milk supply chain, targeting dairies, transporters, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers.

“Milk is not merely a food product; it is a nutritional foundation for millions of children, mothers, patients and senior citizens. Adulterating milk amounts to playing with public health. Such practices will not be tolerated in Maharashtra. We have seen a decrease in supply of milk and paneer since we started action,” Mundhe said.

The intense scrutiny has caused ripples across the state supply chain, with videos going viral on social media showing people dumping milk into drains to avoid FDA inspections.

High-profile businesses have also been swept up in the enforcement blitz. The FDA recently suspended the license of Mumbai’s iconic ice cream parlour, K Rustom & Co. A surprise inspection of the establishment uncovered severe hygiene and food safety violations, including low milk fat compliance.

“We will continue our action will continue on establishments not following Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) norms. Citizens also should be aware about the norms and keep a close watch on hygiene standards,” Mundhe said.

Beyond the dairy sector, Mundhe has also initiated a state-wide drive against gutkha (a chewable tobacco product). As part of the anti-gutkha campaign, the FDA has raided around 904 locations across Maharashtra.

The sudden surge in regulatory enforcement has also raised public questions regarding whether significant oversight was being conducted during the tenures of previous FDA commissioners. Mundhe remains tight-lipped about comparisons with his predecessors.

“I’ll only speak about the word I do,” he said.

While the push for public health has garnered support, some political figures are calling for a more measured approach to enforcement.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam welcomed the FDA's initiative but urged the agency to give businesses a grace period.

“It’s good that food hygiene is being given priority. But we also have to give time to establishments for compliance. I am confident all licensed establishments will follow FSSAI guidelines,” Nirupam said.

- Ends