Fadnavis backs Tukaram Mundhe’s FDA crackdown: ‘Action will continue’

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has backed FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe’s aggressive crackdown on food safety violations, saying strict action is necessary to protect public health.

In his first comments on Mundhe’s campaign, Fadnavis said Tuesday that the Food and Drug Administration’s actions were “going really well” and would continue.

“If food is adulterated or food safety norms are violated, it poses a serious danger to the lives and health of people. Therefore, strict action is necessary,” Fadnavis said, effectively giving Mundhe a free hand to continue the drive.

Since taking charge as FDA commissioner in May, Mundhe’s teams have raided restaurants, clubs, cafes, fast-food chains, ice-cream parlours and delivery-platform warehouses. Several establishments have received notices or faced licence suspensions.

While the crackdown has been praised by some, Mundhe has also faced criticism over what opponents describe as excessive punitive action. The Bombay High Court recently cautioned the FDA against “using a sword to kill a mosquito” while hearing a petition challenging its action.

Mundhe has also targeted celebrities over alleged surrogate advertising. He recently issued show-cause notices to actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff for appearing in a Vimal Elaichi advertisement, alleging it amounted to surrogate promotion of pan masala, gutkha and tobacco.

The actors have been given 15 days to respond and explain why legal action should not be initiated against them.

Mundhe has defended the move, saying action could have been taken earlier but the authorities have now begun enforcing the relevant food safety and advertising regulations.