Maharashtra FDA suspends food licenses and targets celebrity endorsements

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licenses of 10 food establishments in Mumbai following inspections that revealed hygiene deficiencies, pest infestations, and improper food storage. Affected locations include eateries at Islam Gymkhana, canteens at J J Hospital, and various restaurants and dairy products providers. In a broader crackdown, the agency seized prohibited goods valued at approximately Rs 1.09 crore and arrested 13 individuals.

Separately, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Munde addressed legal actions involving actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff regarding the alleged promotion of prohibited tobacco products. Munde stated that the agency is enforcing the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and 2018 advertising regulations. He emphasized that endorsers must exercise due diligence and noted that the actors have requested hearings to present their cases before further legal repercussions are enforced.