Maharashtra FDA Orders Strict Rules to Stop Sale of Expired Food

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a new order in Maharashtra to stop the illegal sale and repackaging of expired and spoiled food items.

Details of the Crackdown

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe stated at a press conference on October 30, 2026, that stale and expired food is often disposed of only on paper instead of being destroyed properly. Agents bring these goods back, repack them, change the production dates, and sell them to citizens. Under the new order, companies must now show proof of proper disposal and get a certificate from disposal companies registered with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.

Seizures and Action

Statewide operations have led to two registered cases and the seizure of adulterated food worth ₹5 crore. In Bhiwandi's Gulzar Nagar, the FDA seized stocks worth ₹80,000 and ₹26 lakh. Similar raids took place in Vadpe, Padgha, and Ambarnath, resulting in the suspension of licences for those involved. Overall, authorities have completed ten operations, accused 32 people including company owners, and issued 22 compliance orders for sectors like hotels, milk products, edible oils, and school nutrition.

Context

Food safety authorities regularly conduct checks and issue compliance rules to protect public health from contaminated or outdated items. Similar enforcement drives happen across various states to ensure businesses follow proper waste disposal and food standard laws.