Massive Seizure of Substandard and Expired Food Products in Navi Mumbai
In a significant crackdown on November 9, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized an unprecedented quantity of over two lakh kilograms of substandard and expired food products valued at more than ₹3 crore from Amar Universal Pvt Ltd in the TTC Industrial Area, Turbhe. The raid, conducted as part of a statewide initiative to combat the use of adulterated and expired food items during the festival season, revealed numerous irregularities and violations of FDA regulations at the Navi Mumbai-based company.
FDA Joint Commissioner Shailesh Adhao highlighted that this seizure represents the highest amount of products confiscated this year in the ongoing drive to ensure food safety. The inspection, conducted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, focused on curbing the excessive use of substandard and expired food products. Cold storages across Maharashtra are currently being scrutinized to enforce compliance with food safety standards.
Adhao emphasized the public health aspect of the operation, stating that a total of 2,87,851 kg of stock, valued at ₹3,06,74,960, was taken for analysis due to suspicions that the items were past their expiry date. The seized items include spices, pulses, dry fruits of low quality, and expired food products. All samples have been sent to laboratories for thorough testing to determine their safety and adherence to standards.