Mumbai, September 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has issued a stern warning to department officials and staff against dereliction of duty, negligence and compromising enforcement operations, saying deliberate misconduct will not be tolerated.
Since taking charge as FDA Commissioner, Mundhe has led statewide enforcement drives against adulterated food products, including paneer, milk and sweets, as well as sub-standard food served at hotels and restaurants and the illegal sale of gutkha.
In an interview with a Marathi television channel, Mundhe reiterated his zero-tolerance approach towards personnel found negligent or involved in corrupt practices.
Asked whether action would be taken against officers accused of laxity or compromising during enforcement operations, Mundhe said disciplinary action would be initiated without delay.
“There is no reason to show sympathy to anyone indulging in negligence or compromise,” he said.
“Action will be taken both for doing wrong work and for failing to do duty properly,” he added.
Mundhe cited a recent early-morning raid coordinated directly from the Commissioner’s office to underline the accountability of local FDA officials. He said a team reached the location at 4 a.m., but questioned why local officers had failed to detect illegal activities taking place within their jurisdictions.
“Our team reached the site at 4:00 a.m. to execute the raid. However, local officers will be held responsible as well—why did they fail to notice these activities happening under their watch?” Mundhe said.
He also said transport operators and dealers would be held accountable along with Food Business Operators (FBOs) when violations are detected.
On reports of FDA personnel attempting to compromise during raids, Mundhe said he had received specific complaints and that vigilance inquiries had been initiated.
“I have received complaints and initiated vigilance inquiries. Proposals for action against certain officers have already been submitted, particularly regarding dereliction of duty,” he said.
Mundhe said genuine mistakes could be considered differently, but deliberate misconduct would attract action.
“A bonafide mistake can be understood, but deliberate misconduct will not be forgiven,” he said.
He also revealed that he had formally requested the Maharashtra government’s Intelligence and vigilance agencies, both verbally and in writing, to increase surveillance of FDA personnel to prevent misuse of authority during the ongoing enforcement drives.
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