Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been running a surprise inspection drive across the state ahead of Diwali. In the same league, the FDA recently suspended 105 food business licences across the state. The drive carried out on November 4 and 5, resulted in the cancellation of 105 licenses, 28 of which were in Mumbai. Scroll down to read the details.The drive covered several big quick-commerce platforms and popular food chains. In Mumbai, the licences of Zepto (Worli) and Blinkit (Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd) were suspended. Eateries including Biryani By Kilo, Tossin Pizza (Worli) and Jumbo Burger also faced the same action.According to reports, seven outlets were ordered to shut down; three were in Pune, two in Amravati, and one each in Mumbai and the Konkan region.Rajdhani Biryani Centre in Borivali was ordered to shut down completely for violating Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations. In Nagpur, a D-Mart outlet on Kamthi Road faced action, and refined soybean oil was seized for breaching licence conditions.According to reports unsafe or adulterated food stock worth more than Rs 1.35 crore was seized from over 69 establishments during the festival drive. It is also reported that the drive against prohibited food products led to three First Information Reports (FIRs) being registered. Two people were arrested, and two vehicles were seized.In an official statement, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe warned that businesses putting public health at risk will face strict action. He pointed to the law’s provisions, which include life imprisonment and fines of Rs 10 lakh for selling unsafe food that causes death.Images Courtesy: istock and Twitter
