Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Munde has warned that restaurants operating near educational institutions will face strict action if they are found violating food safety rules.
Munde said the current drive is “only the beginning” and stressed that cleanliness and hygiene must be followed rigorously in eateries. He added that he has discussed enforcement steps with officials from the education department and local bodies.
According to him, establishments that fail inspections could be closed, and criminal proceedings may also be initiated in serious cases. The FDA has also been sealing unlicensed restaurants and food manufacturing units as part of its wider enforcement.
Inspections are being carried out across Maharashtra, including roadside eateries and outlets selling items such as Chinese food and vada pav. Munde urged the public to report unhygienic food businesses and to avoid eating at such places.
In a related action last week, food safety officials seized and destroyed 698 kg of substandard milk products during inspections at dairy product shops in the state.
