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Maharashtra FDA Commissioner enforcement controversy

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2026-08-10 15:13 UTC → 2026-08-11 15:44 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has faced internal and external scrutiny following his aggressive enforcement of food safety standards. In late July 2026, thirty-nine employees at the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar state laboratory filed a complaint with Food and Drug Minister Narhari Zirwal. The staff accused Mundhe of imposing a two-shift schedule without sufficient personnel or resources, claiming the workload forces them to work from 9 a.m. to midnight. Employees warned that this pressure could compromise the quality of testing against international pharmacopoeia standards. Concurrently, Mundhe’s tenure has been defined by a widespread crackdown on food adulteration, including raids on synthetic milk units and restrictions on high-fat, sugar, and salt foods near schools. Amid reports of potential pressure to transfer Mundhe from his position, BJP leader and actor Paresh Rawal urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to protect the commissioner, arguing that officers taking firm stands on public health should receive institutional support. Recent developments highlight the legal and social dimensions of Mundhe’s leadership. The Bombay High Court has questioned the FDA regarding allegations of partiality during inspections of canteens located within the court premises. Despite these challenges and a career marked by 25 transfers during his 21-year service as a 2005-batch IAS officer, Mundhe has gained significant social media popularity, with users referring to him as ‘Asli Singham’ due to his strict enforcement style.

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