The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the license of a Parle Agro-linked Velocity Express warehouse in Mumbai following the seizure of expired beverage stock worth ₹99,970. The raid, conducted on August 13 and 14 in Chembur, uncovered expired Frooti, Appy Fizz, and Candy Juice products.
Warehouse Sealed, Products Barred from Sale
During a late-night inspection, a team of eight FDA officials found the expired products at the warehouse located in Prayag Nagar on LU Gadkari Marg in Chembur’s Washinaka area. Following the discovery, officials seized the stock and immediately barred its sale, transportation, or distribution. The warehouse was subsequently sealed, and two vehicles used for transporting the products were detained. Authorities have stated that no food items from the facility can be sold or moved until further instructions.
Part of a Broader Statewide Food Safety Campaign
This enforcement action is part of a significant statewide food safety inspection campaign spearheaded by Maharashtra FDA, under the leadership of IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe. The campaign, which commenced on August 13, aimed to enhance food safety standards across various establishments.
- Online Food Establishments: The FDA inspected 86 food businesses operating through online delivery platforms. One establishment was ordered to cease operations immediately, while 60 received improvement notices. Additionally, 14 food business licenses were suspended due to violations such as poor hygiene, improper storage temperatures, inadequate pest control, and the presence of expired items.
- Dairy Products: The inspection drive also targeted milk and dairy products, leading to the seizure of 698 kg of dairy stock valued at ₹34,302.
- Banned Products: Authorities initiated criminal proceedings against the sale, distribution, and transportation of prohibited products like pan masala and gutkha. Ten First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered, nine individuals were arrested, and banned food products worth ₹46,76,631 were confiscated.
- Other Food Items: Approximately 1,270 kg of other food products, including bakery items and edible oil, valued at ₹1,29,762, were also seized. The combined value of all confiscated products, including prohibited items, reached ₹46,89,603 across 15 raids.
Action Against Hotels and Domino's Outlets
Separately, the FDA inspected 109 hotels, restaurants, and other food establishments. As a result, 49 businesses were issued improvement notices, and the licenses of four food establishments were suspended.
In a related development, four Domino’s Pizza outlets operated by Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd. also faced license suspensions earlier this week. Inspections revealed several food safety and hygiene violations at these outlets, located in Vile Parle West, Borivali West, R-City Mall in Ghatkopar (Mumbai), and Malakapour in Karad, Satara.