Pune, Correspondent
In a major crackdown on sweet shops ahead of the festive season, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against two establishments in Pune for suspected food safety violations. Under the 'Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra' campaign, officials seized and destroyed 1,491 kg of suspected substandard sweets during inspections at establishments in Kondhwa Budruk and Dhanori. The total value of the destroyed stock was estimated at ₹2,94,900.
The first action was carried out at M/s Gayatri Laddu Bhandar in Tilekar Nagar, Kondhwa Budruk. During the inspection, officials found 1,008 kg of Motichoor laddus and 180 kg of boondi, taking the total stock to 1,188 kg.
Suspecting possible adulteration, the FDA seized and destroyed the entire stock under Section 38(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The food business licence of the establishment was also suspended with immediate effect.
The second action was conducted on November 2 at M/s R. Bikaner Sweet Centre in Dhanori, where officials found 303 kg of barfi suspected to be of substandard quality.
The inspection revealed that the sweets were being stored at normal room temperature instead of the prescribed storage temperature. The products also lacked mandatory labelling, and the establishment could not produce purchase invoices for the stock.
The entire stock was subsequently destroyed. In addition, a sample of Kalakand was collected and sent for laboratory testing.
The FDA has directed sweet manufacturers and retailers to strictly maintain prescribed storage temperatures, ensure mandatory labelling of food products and maintain proper purchase records.
The department has also warned that strict action will be taken against establishments found violating food safety regulations, emphasising the need to protect consumers from unsafe and potentially adulterated food products, particularly during the festive season.
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