Pune: In a series of crackdowns on suspected food adulteration, the Food and Drug Administration’s Pune division seized stocks worth over Rs 37 lakh during inspections at seven locations across districts between July 8 and July 12.In Pune district, FDA teams inspected a tanker transporting milk from a manufacturing unit at Sangola in Solapur. Milk samples were collected, and 28,498 litres of milk was seized on suspicion of adulteration and destroyed as the product was perishable.Another 24,498 litres of potentially adulterated milk, from a collection centre at Ahilyanagar, was also seized and destroyed. According to officials, more than 92,000 kg of various food items were seized on suspicion of misbranding, adulteration and other violations of food safety norms.A statement issued by the FDA mentioning details of the latest action states that among the major seizures, inspectors in Sangli checked an agency on Kupwad Road and collected samples of paneer and lassi and seized 121 kg of stock. In Kolhapur, a store at Hatkanangale was inspected, and samples of pista, orange, pineapple and mango cookies were taken. Totally 86 kg was seized under suspicion of misbranding and adulteration. These two seizures followed after products were found misbranded and suspected of adulteration.Digambar Bhogawade, joint inspector, FDA, Pune division, told TOI, “During a surprise inspection at Phaltan and Satara, our teams inspected a cattle shed and found whey powder, spray-dried products and instant tea coffee creamer being used for milk adulteration.”“A case has been registered against five people, including the owner and powder suppliers at Phaltan police station,” Bhogawade said.He added, “The FDA will continue to take strict action against those operating food businesses without a license or in violation of regulations, as well as those selling adulterated or substandard food products.”“I appeal to consumers to contact the toll-free number 18-0022-2365 if they have any complaints regarding the quality or hygiene of food products,” he emphasised.At Junnar, officers collected samples of A2 Gir cow milk and cow milk and seized 1,806 litres. The unit has been issued a notice to stop business until further orders. In Solapur, inspection of another dairy producer led to the seizure and destruction of 37,532 litres of milk after officials found violations including lack of valid licence and missing buy-sale records.
