UNSAFE FOOD PRODUCTS
'Tukaram Mundhe approved eatery': Harsh Goenka says forget Michelin stars as Maharashtra FDA chief’s strict food safety checks take social media by storm
Tukaram Mundhe, Maharashtra's FDA commissioner, has been making waves on social media with his strict approach to food safety. His inspections have led to several popular eateries being temporarily shut down over alleged hygiene violations. Mundhe has also warned about the risks associated with unsafe cooking oil and repeatedly frying the same oil. His actions highlight the Maharashtra government's efforts to strengthen food safety checks and protect public health.
Flies, cockroaches, fake cheese: Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of 7 Mumbai food establishments over hygiene lapses
Maharashtra FDA suspended seven food establishments for severe hygiene lapses and product adulteration. Inspections revealed live flies, cockroaches, and fake cheese being used by some businesses. The FDA also seized large quantities of adulterated dairy products and prohibited gutkha statewide. These actions followed intensive statewide inspection drives conducted on August 19-20, 2026. Suspended businesses cannot operate until all violations are fully rectified and cleared.
Himachal Pradesh bans sale, use of ‘analogue paneer’ passed off as real paneer
Himachal Pradesh has banned non-dairy analogue paneer being sold as genuine. This action follows market surveillance and laboratory testing by the Food Safety Department. Suppliers were found substituting milk fat with vegetable oils in paneer-like products. Restaurants and hotels must now clearly declare any non-dairy alternatives to consumers. Food business operators must maintain proper records for product traceability and safety.
Shiprocket stock jumps post debut; ETSA 2026 Woman Ahead, Social Enterprise nominees
Shiprocket shares extended their strong listing-day gains with a 6% jump on Thursday. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Tukaram Mundhe led-FDA ordered to pay Rs 5 lakh fine to a Pune sweet shop for suspending licence despite 98% compliance
Bombay High Court has ordered Tukaram Mundhe-led Maharashtra FDA to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to a Pune sweets shop after questioning the continued suspension of its food licence despite a follow-up inspection showing 98% compliance with safety norms.
Karnataka eateries, pharmacies to display QR codes for instant safety complaints
Karnataka restaurants and pharmacies will soon display QR codes for lodging food and drug safety complaints. This new initiative aims to streamline consumer feedback and ensure faster action on violations. An intensive enforcement drive recently seized large quantities of mislabeled and expired food items. Officials inspected numerous hostels and food establishments, issuing notices and collecting fines for unhygienic conditions.
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Festive season alert: In Ghaziabad, 868 kg paneer & 170 kg khoya destroyed amid adulteration concerns
Food safety officials have intensified action against dairy product adulteration. Recent raids in Ghaziabad resulted in the destruction of paneer and khoya. This follows a major seizure of contaminated paneer and milk in Mathura. Authorities are conducting a nationwide campaign against food adulteration. Consumers are advised to check packaging and report suspicious products.

Zepto warehouse sealed in Bengaluru over food safety violations
Bengaluru authorities sealed a Zepto warehouse for hygiene and labeling violations. The Food Safety Department conducted inspections following numerous public complaints. Hotels also faced scrutiny, with expired products and unhygienic storage discovered. Over one hundred kilograms of food articles were seized from several establishments. This enforcement drive now extends to quick-commerce warehouses across Karnataka.

Karnataka food safety drive: Zepto warehouse sealed in Hoskote over alleged violations
The department conducted a special inspection at the warehouse to check compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations. Officials found non-compliant labelling, misbranding and unhygienic food handling and storage conditions, besides other alleged violations of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requirements, the department said. The warehouse was sealed.

Bengaluru food safety drive: 60 star hotels inspected, 1,089 kg food seized
Karnataka food safety officials inspected 60 three- and five-star Bengaluru hotels, seizing over 1,000 kg of allegedly unsafe, expired or mislabelled products. Notices were issued, some kitchens faced action, and samples from major international food chains were sent for testing.

FSSAI suspends licences of VKC Nuts, Chheda Specialities over violations
FSSAI suspended licenses for VKC Nuts and Chheda Specialities Foods due to serious food safety issues. Live insects and mould were found at VKC Nuts, alongside rodent damage and poor machinery conditions. Chheda Specialities Foods had food handlers working with bare hands and extensive fungal growth near storage tanks. Previous samples from Chheda Specialities Foods were declared unsafe or misbranded by the authority.

Relief for Dabur as Delhi HC stays FSSAI order banning product sale over ‘100%’ claims
The Delhi High Court has halted an FSSAI order that banned Dabur India's product sales. This order targeted claims like '100% Pure' and '100% Natural' on various food items. Dabur challenged the regulator's action, citing a lack of prior notice and hearing opportunity. The company argued the FSSAI order was unreasoned and lacked legal basis.

FSSAI penalises AWL Agri Business for substandard fortified Fortune sunflower oil sold in Goa
India's food regulator FSSAI has penalized AWL Agri Business Ltd for selling substandard oil. A sample of Fortune Fryola refined sunflower oil failed lab tests for Vitamin D. The company's appeal confirmed significantly lower Vitamin D levels than prescribed. FSSAI imposed a penalty on AWL Agri Business Ltd for these violations. This action follows recent crackdowns on food business operators by the regulator.

Paneer Purity Test: Amid analogue paneer ban, here's how to identify pure vs fake cottage cheese & 6 protein-rich alternatives
Paneer Purity Test: Maharashtra has banned analogue paneer, which is not made from milk. This action addresses growing concerns about food adulteration across the state. Manufacturers and sellers face legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Consumers can identify fake paneer through taste, texture, and label checks. Several high-protein alternatives to paneer are also available for consumers.

Michigan cyclosporiasis outbreak leaves 2 dead and more than 11,000 sick: What to know about the parasite, lettuce fears and the food safety concerns now emerging
Michigan cyclosporiasis outbreak: The recent cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan has resulted in its first two fatalities, sparking concern among health officials. Thousands of infections are connected to this intestinal disease, primarily associated with iceberg lettuce imported from Mexico. Both individuals who passed away had pre-existing health conditions, and investigations are ongoing to pinpoint the source and mitigate further transmission.

FSSAI suspends licence of Westend Agro Products for altering expiry dates, other violations
The food regulator FSSAI suspended Westend Agro Products' license due to serious violations. Inspection revealed altered manufacturing and expiry dates on many food products. Printing machinery and solvents were found allegedly used for label alteration. Misleading claims, including "organic", were also discovered on packaging materials.

Oil crosses $100: A 'perfect hurricane' can trigger bigger shock soon
Brent crude has surged past $100 as escalating Middle East tensions threaten two critical oil chokepoints — the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb — at the same time. While markets were already grappling with disruptions in Hormuz due to the US-Iran conflict, fresh Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea have put alternative export routes at risk.

Ever wondered why does chocolate come wrapped in shiny foil and what hidden secret that sparkling layer protects before every delicious bite?
Ever noticed that almost every premium chocolate comes wrapped in shiny foil? It may look elegant, but that thin metallic layer has a much bigger purpose. From preserving flavor and aroma to protecting chocolate from heat, light, and moisture, foil quietly keeps every bite fresh. Here's why this classic wrapper is still trusted by chocolate makers worldwide.

FSSAI crackdown serves food for thought as packaged food makers seek clearer rules
In a bid to strengthen consumer protection, India's food regulatory body is intensifying efforts against packaged food companies. The lack of clarity around definitions and guidelines for emerging ingredients poses a pressing concern. Executives from the sector are urging the need for revised definitions and clearer regulations. To meet these demands, the authority has restructured its scientific panels to create standards rooted in science, facilitating smoother operations for manufacturers.

Firm up farm product quality control
Indian basmati rice faces scrutiny in Australia after other exports were flagged abroad. Australian authorities suspended Indian fumigation service providers due to unmet requirements. Repeated findings of pesticide residues and heavy metals necessitate stronger food safety systems. India must implement science-based standards and traceability for its agricultural products. Meeting global food safety standards is crucial for India's export competitiveness and consumer health.

"40% Analog paneer samples found unsafe," says MH FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe
Maharashtra FDA is intensifying action against adulterated milk products. Milk and dairy items are considered high-risk food categories requiring strict monitoring. The FDA is implementing end-to-end supply chain management for milk products. Action includes closing centers, destroying milk, and prosecuting violators. Substandard analog paneer and cheese also face strict regulatory oversight.

Swiggy shares slide over 2% after FSSAI issues 9 notices over consumer complaints
Swiggy shares fell over 2% on Monday, extending losses for a second session after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart over consumer complaints alleging food safety violations. The regulator has sought a detailed explanation, compliance report and documentary evidence, warning that failure to comply could invite legal action.

FSSAI urges citizens to report unsafe food, unhygienic kitchen
The FSSAI encourages citizens to report unsafe food practices using their mobile application. This initiative aims to curb the marketing and consumption of unsafe food products. Recently, a spice manufacturing unit in Lucknow was shut down by authorities. Adulterated materials were seized and samples were collected for laboratory testing. The food regulator has intensified its inspection and reporting efforts.

Swiggy Instamart gets 9 FSSAI notices following customer complaints on contaminated food, milk
India's food regulator, FSSAI, issued nine notices to Swiggy Instamart. These notices followed multiple consumer complaints alleging unsafe food products were delivered. Expired, spoiled, and contaminated items were reportedly supplied through the quick commerce platform. FSSAI has demanded detailed explanations and compliance reports from Swiggy Instamart. Failure to comply may result in legal action under the FSS Act.

FRAI urges govt to intensify crackdown on counterfeit products, illicit trade
Retailers are urging the government to intensify efforts against illegal trade and fake products, citing risks to consumer safety and the livelihoods of small businesses. The Federation of Retailers Association of India (FRAI) has called for stricter enforcement, tougher penalties, and greater accountability from online marketplaces. They highlighted a significant rise in counterfeit goods across various sectors, impacting fair competition and consumer trust.

Sauce that may be costing lives sold at just Rs 20/litre to vendors: UP food raid seizes over 200 litres of contaminated stock
A food safety raid in Hapur’s Pannapuri led to the sealing of a food manufacturing unit found producing adulterated tomato sauce using vegetable pulp, acid, and banned synthetic colours in unhygienic conditions. The Hapur food safety department raid uncovered around 200 litres of unsafe sauce allegedly sold to local eateries and street vendors at low prices.

Parents beware! Kids’ favourite eclairs, mango bites & more chocolates found unsafe. 109+ Telangana manufacturers flagged for serious violations
A recent Telangana food safety drive inspected 109 confectionery establishments, uncovering widespread issues with product quality and safety. Authorities seized 35 kilograms of expired sweets and issued notices to violators, urging parents to be vigilant about loose and unbranded treats to protect children's health.

Navratri food crackdown: Kuttu, singhara atta, sendha namak, laddoos seized in FSSAI raids across Haridwar, Mau, Ghaziabad and other districts
Authorities are intensifying food safety checks across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand as Navratri celebrations begin, cracking down on adulterated fasting products. Raids have uncovered substandard kuttu flour, singhara flour, and sweets, with several unsafe batches seized and destroyed. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and purchase from trusted vendors to ensure safe consumption during the festive season.

Gujarat extends ban on Maggi noodles for one month
The CFTRI findings showed that samples of Maggi noodles were in compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011.
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