The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has seized a staggering ₹3.06 crore worth of expired and substandard food products from a cold storage facility located in the Trans Thane Creek TTC area of the Turbhe Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) region in Navi Mumbai. Acting on a tip, a team of FDA food inspectors conducted a raid, uncovering severe violations of safety and hygiene standards at the premises operated by Amar Universal Private Limited.
The cold storage, which held 2,87,851 kgs of various food items such as Almond kernels, Star Aniseeds, Red Kidney beans (Rajma), and American Beans (Chawli), was flagged for storing expired and adulterated products intended for export. Assistant Commissioner G.V Jagtap highlighted, “The premises were found to be unclean, failing to adhere to various guidelines of the Food Safety and Standards Act – 2006 (FSSA). Preliminary investigations revealed that the entire stock of almonds and pulses had expired, rendering them unfit for consumption, as clearly indicated by labels on the boxes.”
Following the confiscation, the unsafe items were sent for comprehensive testing in Mumbai due to potential safety hazards to consumers. The FDA Commissioner emphasized that samples from each product category would undergo laboratory analysis to determine their quality and safety standards.
Stringent action is underway, including the issuance of notices to the owners of the seized stock, based on the forthcoming laboratory report. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, with the FDA establishing a toll-free number, 1800-222-365, for citizens to report any malpractices and ensure the market’s food quality. The FDA’s commitment to safeguarding public health remains steadfast in its pursuit of upholding food safety standards.