Police personnel had repeatedly complained about the quality of food served at the Nagpada canteen and the unhygienic conditions there. However, their complaints reportedly went unaddressed by senior officials. After receiving no response, the employees approached Tukaram Mundhe's Food and Drug Administration department directly.
Following the complaints, Mundhe's department resolved the matter within a week and initiated action against the canteen. The FDA fined the canteen operator Rs 75,000 for maintaining unhygienic conditions. The action has drawn attention within the Mumbai Police force, with discussions highlighting that an issue which reportedly remained unresolved by senior police officials for a year was addressed by the FDA within a week.
Meanwhile, Tukaram Mundhe addressed a press conference in Mumbai on Friday, where he made it clear that the campaign against food adulteration would continue throughout Diwali.
Mundhe said that food is an important part of the country's culture and stressed the need to use appropriate cooking oil while preparing food. He said the FDA's campaign against adulterated edible oil was continuing and would remain in force. According to the figures shared by him, the department has conducted 1,089 inspections of edible oil so far, cancelled 80 licences and seized 28,753 quintals of goods.
He also warned food businesses to exercise caution, stressing that responsibility does not rest solely with retailers. Businesses must ensure that not even a single packet of expired food reaches the market, regardless of whether the company is small or large.
Mundhe said the FDA's objective was not merely to take enforcement action but to ensure compliance with food safety requirements. He explained that the department had introduced compliance orders specifying the rules and responsibilities applicable to hotels, milk and milk products, edible oil, school food and other categories. So far, 22 such orders have been issued.
He added that these orders clearly define the responsibilities of food businesses, licence holders and officials.
Mundhe also announced an order titled 'Expired Return and Damaged Food'. He said that no other state had issued a similar order. The directive specifically addresses expired and damaged food products, which, according to him, are sometimes brought back into use even after their expiry or deterioration.
Under the new order, companies will have to provide proof that expired and damaged food products have been completely destroyed. The requirement is aimed at ensuring that such products are not reused or returned to circulation.
The FDA's action against the Nagpada police canteen, along with its wider enforcement measures and new compliance requirements, highlights the department's focus on food quality, hygiene and accountability among food businesses.
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