Maharashtra FDA unveils year-long calendar to check food adulteration during festivals
Maharashtra FDA has prepared a year-long, four-phase plan to curb food adulteration, focusing on festive seasons, bakeries, and bhandaras.
Ahead of the festive season, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has readied a structured, year-long enforcement strategy to tackle food adulteration. Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said a complete calendar of activities has been drawn up for the year, marking a first-of-its-kind coordinated approach for the state.
The plan is divided into four phases, each tailored to specific risks and periods. A key component involves scheduled inspections of bakeries, which see a surge in demand for sweets and breads during major festivals. The FDA will also keep a close watch on 'bhandaras' — community kitchens that serve large numbers of people during religious events — to ensure hygiene and ingredient quality.
In addition to routine checks, the strategy includes targeted raids based on intelligence and seasonal patterns. The aim is to deter the use of adulterants in high-consumption items such as milk products, edible oils, and sweets that are traditionally prepared in bulk during celebrations.
Mundhe emphasised that the calendar ensures no gap in surveillance, allowing the department to deploy its resources efficiently across the state. The initiative is expected to strengthen consumer confidence as families prepare for upcoming festivals.