Ganeshotsav: Maharashtra FDA seizes 6.34 lakh kg of suspected adulterated food

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized more than 6.34 lakh kg of suspected adulterated food worth ₹9.76 crore during a Statewide special drive conducted amid Ganeshotsav between September 1 and 23, 2026, officials said.

The drive, which covered 3,068 food establishments across Maharashtra, was undertaken to prevent unsafe and adulterated sweets, dairy products, edible oils and fasting foods from reaching consumers during the festival season. Authorities issued improvement notices to 1,506 establishments, suspended the licences of 248 establishments for serious violations and cancelled another 12 licences.

Officials collected 2,423 samples of sweets, khoa, dairy products, edible oils and fasting foods for laboratory analysis. On suspicion of adulteration, the FDA seized 6,34,362 kg of food stock valued at approximately ₹9.76 crore. Further legal action will be initiated against food found to be unsafe or substandard once laboratory reports are received, the FDA said.