Maharashtra Food Safety Crackdown 2026: Latest FDA Actions, Rules and Updates

The FDA has issued a series of enforcement actions, regulations, and policy updates.The FDA has recently taken several measures and issued rules.

A huge push is happening for food safety in Maharashtra this year in 2026. The state’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is inspecting restaurants, hotels, food factories and other canteens and dairy businesses, warehouses.

It took a major turn in the news since May 2026, when IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe assumed the role of Maharashtra FDA Commissioner. Since then, FDA teams have conducted thousands of inspections in the state.

These are sizeable figures. From 25th May to 31st July, 2026, the Maharashtra FDA has inspected 3137 food establishments. It served 764 improvement notices and suspended 165 food licences. The department also said it confiscated or destroyed 28 lakh kg of unsafe food valued at ₹55.72 crore.

The action isn’t just about dirty restaurant kitchens. Quality inspection of food adulteration, milk and milk products, edible oil, paneer, gutkha, pan masala, food warehouses and school food is also being carried out by FDA.

Other renowned food establishment and restaurants have also been acted to.

This guide explores what is the Maharashtra food safety crackdown, what does FDA scrutinize for, what are the consequences for breaching the guidelines and what should food consumers know.

Maharashtra Food Safety Crackdown 2026: Key Facts

Key Figures Reported by the Maharashtra FDA

There’s a point to make here, 3,137 inspections does not mean 3,137 businesses were closed.

After inspection, the FDA may choose to take various actions. A business can receive a notice to deal with an issue. If this is a serious incident, it may lead to the suspension of its licence or other legal steps.

Who Is Famous Person Tukaram Mundhe?

Tukaram Mundhe is a collector of Maharashtra state’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

He became the head of the FDA in May 2026. Shortly after, the department initiated a huge inspection campaign on food safety violations.

The Maharashtra FDA monitors cheques food safety in the state. It carries out functions like Inspection of food business, Food sample collection, food complaints and initiates action on violations of FS related rules. (Maharashtra FDA)

Mundhe’s sweeps have been gathering considerable attention since well-known brands and restaurants have been swept by the FDA as well.

Those inspections covered businesses like Domino’s, Pizza Hut and McDonald’s, as well as local restaurants and other food businesses, said Reuters.

Why Is the Maharashtra FDA Conducting Inspections of Restaurants?

The main reason is food safety.

A restaurant is required to maintain cleanliness and safety of kitchen facilities, storage area and food preparation. Issues related to these factors can promote the likelihood of food contamination.

In recent inspections, the following has occurred and complaints have been raised:

• Ants and other insects
• Bed and other insects required for pollination
• Expired food
• Dirty kitchen areas
• Improperly prepared foods.
• Poor refrigeration
• Poor personal hygiene
• Unsafe food handling
• Missing food licences
• Food adulteration

Even if some issues may seem insignificant, a major issue can result if the food becomes contaminated.

For instance, food may go bad if it is stored at the incorrect temperature. Uncooked foods can also transfer harmful germs when in close proximity to cooked foods.

That’s why the FDA inspects areas that customers typically can’t.

When an FDA Food Inspector Visits, What’s Involved?

Various components of a food business can be inspected by an FDA team.

Areas That FDA Authorities Could Inspect

• Kitchen and food preparation areas
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Food storage rooms
• Raw materials
• Food labels
• Use by, best before and sell by dates
• Pest control
• Purchasing practices if applicable to your operation • Water quality if you are using it as a source.
• Quality of work surfaces and tools used in the food factory or restaurant
• Food licences
• Required records
• Food samples

How a restaurant and a dairy plant or food warehouse are checked in can be completed in different ways.

This inspection will take into account the nature of the food business/operation and the issues identified during the inspection.

What Is an Improvement Notice?

An Improvement Notice is a notice that the Council serves to a landlord

An improvement notice is essentially notice to a food business that they need to remedy the food safety problem.

Does not necessarily indicate that the business is shut down.

For instance, maybe there are poor storage areas, poor hygiene issues or another problem that can be corrected during your inspection.

The FDA can let the business know what needs to be addressed and allow it to correct it against the requirements.

During May 25 and July 31, Maharashtra FDA issued 764 improvement notices under the India Today report.

Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, improvement notices are part of the legal process used to deal with food safety violations. (FSSAI)

Simple Example

Imagine that an FDA official discovers that a restaurant is storing food in an unsafe manner.

The restaurant can be requested to fix the issue.

The restaurant cleans up and complying forward.

More action may be taken if the business fails to address the major issue.

What Does a Food Licence Suspension Mean?

A licence suspension is a more serious action.

The FDA has specific rules that allows it to halt the food business licence if serious issues of food safety are discovered.

In the initial period of the crackdown reported, 165 food licences were suspended. (India Today)

A suspension does not always mean that the licence is cancelled forever.

Depending on the circumstances, the business might have the right to pursue actions that the law permits, such as responding to the action, as well as seeking damages after cleanup, if it has been damaged.

Which Food Businesses Are Being Checked?

Foods vérifiers sont quels entreprises?

Not all restaurants in Maharashtra are being subjected to the FDA check.

The drive aims to include a wide variety of food businesses such as:

• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Bakeries
• Sweet shops
• Dairy businesses
• Milk suppliers
• Food factories
• Food warehouses
• Retail food shops
• Quick-commerce warehouses
• Canteens
• Caterers
• Street food businesses
• Clubs and other food- Serving venues

The FDA also inspected quick-commerce and food-delivery related facilities, reports The Associated Press via Reuters. Some warehouses received warnings, while others were slapped with a course of action relating to their licences following inspections. (Reuters)

This is important because food safety issues may originate before food reaches the restaurant or home.

Some Major Restaurants and Food Businesses Facing FDA Action

Some of India’s big-time restaurants and food businesses will soon feel the heat.

The Maharashtra FDA drive has made headlines due to the inclusion of popular companies amongst the establishments inspected.

Lately, activities at the premises like: was reported.

• McDonald’s
• Domino’s
• Pizza Hut
• Radio monitors kept at various points around the city.* Bombay Presidency Radio Club.
• Ayub’s
• Other restaurants and hotels (Table 2:10)

During the campaign several outlets of big food chains have come under the radar of FDA action, according to Reuters.

Another food business was hit, specifically the Bombay Presidency Radio Club, whose licence the FDA suspended due to reported issues of hygiene on inspection.

Ayub in south Mumbai was among the four restaurants that were reported to be losing their licence in the latest actions of FSDA. (Times of India)

Just because a restaurant is being inspected or it was issued a notice does not mean that all the food products sold are necessarily unsafe. Details of the discovery and legal action is important.

Food Adulteration Is a Serious Issue

The FDA is also looking at food adulteration.

Adulteration involves the addition, substitution or use in food of something that renders the product undesirable or otherwise alters its quality or renders it injurious to health.

The FDA has been interested in products like:

• Milk
• Dairy products
• Paneer
• Edible oil
• Other food ingredients

One key focus point is milk due to being regularly consumed by millions of people.

The FDA has also conducted actions against the suspected milk adulteration in the Mumbai area. Reports of individual cases to be treated as allegations only, till they are tested and investigated. (Maharashtra Times)

Maharashtra’s Action Against Analogue Paneer

The controversy of the food safety in Maharashtra has also spread to analogue paneer.

The Maharashtra FDA had in July 2026 issued an order to restrict production and storage of analogue paneer and prohibit its transport, sale and distribution for one year.

Across Maharashtra, 35.4% paneer samples tested did not meet the requirements of food safety standards, the FDA said. (Mid-Day)

It is different from regular milk paneer because it is made using analogue product. Not all products may be 100 percent dairy; some may include non-dairy ingredients like vegetable fat.

Probably, regulators are most concerned with ensuring consumers are receiving the product for which they are paying, and that the product is of the appropriate food quality.

Therefore, businesses need to verify suppliers and product information.

Loose Edible Oil and the Maharashtra FDA Crackdown

Global availability of edible oil continues to be a cause for concern.The situation with available edible oil is alarming.

An open stocks of edible oil is the latest trouble with the food safety movement in Maharashtra.

The FDA has also issued a warning regarding the purchase of edible oil that is either in bulk or unsealed due to concerns over adulteration, storage and the difficulty to trace. (times of india)

But there was a major change in the situation on August 26.

The FDA had begun to be adamant towards the sale of free running oil. The communication and compliance order was later lifted as the result of government action.

A proper standard operating procedure (SOP) should be drawn to address the issue of adulteration and the impact that adulteration will have on the traders and consumers, said the government. (Indian Express)

Would Edible Oil Be Banned in Maharashtra?

Don’t assume it’s a lasting ban.

This was different on August 26, 2026, when the FDA communication was withdrawn.

The government is now considering SOP based solution.

This is a developing issue. Before taking information from news reports on the subject of buying or selling of loose edible oil, the citizens should look up the current official order.

Why Is It a Problem If Any Uses the Word Loose for Oil?

If it is packaged oil, the consumers can often observe the following information:

• Company offering/fabricating the product or service
• Manufacturer
• Batch information
• Quantity
• Date information
• Storage instructions

Loose oil can’t be used to the same extent to provide information in the same manner.

It also may be more difficult to identify the product if there is a complaint of adulteration.

In its nationwide crackdown, the FDA has so far seized over ₹5 crore worth of adulterated oil, according to the latest reports. (Times of India)

Maharashtra FDA Action Against Gutkha and Pan Masala

Even gutkha and pan masala has come under the attack of the FDA, where these are banned.

The department reported that they discovered the banned products at 658 outlets in the implementation period.

Seized gutkha and pan masala worth about ₹15.11 crore, it reported.

The department also said:

• 519 FIRs
• 701 arrests
• 407 establishments sealed
• 78 vehicles confiscated

This was part of the broader action taken by the FDA. (India Today)

Why Did the FDA Send Notices to Tiger Shroff, Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan?

Advertisement trouble over the Maharashtra FDA, too.

The department has sent notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff for featuring in an advertisement of Vimal Elaichi.

The FDA’s worry is the ad could indirectly be used to promote an illegal pan-masala product. Such advertisements are also known as surrogate advertising. 

What Is a Definition of Surrogate Advertising?

It simply refers to advertising one product in a manner which may take the customer’s mind to a second one that is subject to limited advertising.

In this instance, the FDA’s enquiry is eligibility of the ad of elaichi to be said to promote the brand Vimal pan-masala.

The notices are not a final determination of guilt.

According to the latest reports, the FDA was awaiting responses from the actors. (Shah-Rukh-Khan, Ajay-Devgn, Tiger-Shroff have yet to respond to FDA’s surrogate advertising notices, Tukaram Mundhe reveals ‘we are waiting for violations’ – Times of India)

Will Government Canteens Be Checked Too?

Yes.

It also taken FDA’s work in governmental and institutional food establishments.

A canteen at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College in Nagpur has been ordered to be closed following a report in recent days that the canteen lacked both a food licence and hygiene issues. (Maharashtra Times)

The food safety rules should be followed in government canteens too.

The basic “safety” aspect of a consumer does not vary: food is required to be safe whatever the outlet – a private restaurant, a hospital canteen, a college canteen or any government outlet.

What Are the Food Safety Rules That Restaurants Have to Abide By?

According to the food safety law of India and FSSAI rules, the restaurants based in Maharashtra must comply with the food safety rules.

Basic Food Safety Requirements for Restaurants

• A valid FSSAI registration / licence to operate in the local area.
• Keep kitchen and food preparation areas clean
• Safe preparation of food
• Proper refrigeration
• Pest control
• Clean water
• Clean utensils
• Proper food handling
• Personal cleanliness and hygienic practices of food handlers
• Safe raw materials
• Proper food labels
• Required records
• Proper waste disposal

Even if a restaurant has an FSSAI licence, it does not imply the exemption from these requirements.

Food safety is something that the business should maintain daily.

A Checklist for Consumers to Use When Dining Out

You should be able to spot some basic indicators and can’t inspect all the food.

Be Sure to Check Before Dining at a Restaurant

☐ Have a visible food area that is clean?
☐ Are foods well wrapped?
☐ Is there flickering of flies or cockroaches around the food source?
☐ Does the restaurant have an adequate food storage system?
☐ Are refrigerated foods kept cold?
☐ Are there basic hygiene practices followed by food workers?
☐ Does the restaurant have the necessary food licence information?

Don’t assume that one incident is evidence of an unsafe restaurant.

However, if hygiene issues are a serious or frequent concern you may want to find another site.

When Looking at Packaged Foods, Be Sure to Read the Labels

Examine the label before purchasing packaged foods.

Check:

• Product name
• Manufacturer or packer
• License information of FSSAI (If applicable)
• Batch/lot number
• Date information
• Use by/expiry date
• Net quantity
• Ingredients
• Storage instructions

Never purchase a package if it is leaked, damaged or seems to be opened.

Sealed packaging may facilitate the product source identification in case of complaints thereafter, for edible oil etc.

How Is Unsafe Food in Maharashtra to Be Complained?

In case you believe that a restaurant, a shop or a food business is selling unsafe food, then report it to Maharashtra FDA.

Information to Keep for a Complaint

Attempt to maintain the subsequent info:

• Business name
• Business address
• Date and time
• Product name
• Bill, if available
• Photos, if useful
• Details of the problem

The Maharashtra FDA provides a grievance system for complaints related to food, medicines and cosmetics. (Maharashtra FDA)

What Is the Initial Action to Take?

If you see a problem, gather basic information and report it to the FDA.

Don’t go online with serious allegations without proof. The FDA can investigate the enterprise and test food samples as necessary.

Maharashtra FDA and Food Served to School Children

The Maharashtra FDA is also looking into certain matters related to the food being served to the children in schools.

Schools are not spared of the food safety drive.

The Maharashtra FDA has issued a statewide notice on 28th July, 2026 on the topic “Safe Food for Every School Child in Maharashtra.

This order is for the food safety regulations around servings to school children. It relates to government, aided and private schools. 

The department has also spoken of putting checks on food which is served in schools, anganwadis and during big festival events.

The FDA has also announced it will keep tabs on high fat, salt and sugar items, particularly during the festive season. (Times of India)

Which will include many more food businesses this food safety drive could impact in the near future.

Have There Been Cases Where the FDA Was Criticized or Sued?

Yes.

The crackdown has garnered attention, with some FDA decisions also being taken to court.

One case from Pune, the Bombay High Court has directed the FDA to pay ₹5 lakh compensation to a sweet shop as it has raised doubts about the sustainability of its licence in light of the fact that it conformed to 35 out of 36 food safety requirements. (Economic Times)

This is not to say that the food safety checks are to be discontinued.

It holds government action accountable for following the proper legal procedure.

There have also been instances in which courts have found FSA actions to be valid.

It’s better therefore to take individual cases on their own merits rather than to draw general conclusions on the white or black of the crackdown.

What Might Happen Next?

MAH FDA’s inspections are likely to be ongoing.

Areas to be monitored include:

• Restaurants and hotels
• Milk and dairy products
• Food adulteration
• Edible oil
• Paneer
• Quick-commerce warehouses
• School food
• Canteens
• Festive food
• foods that are rich in fats, salts and sugars
• Betsy – pan masala, gutkha

There are likely to be more inspections this coming festive season as large quantities of sweets and fizzy drinks, as well as dairy produce, edible oil and other foods are sold at this time of year.

It is the consumers’ opportunity to take a good look at the quality and cleanliness of food.

Compliance is growing in importance for food businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maharashtra Food Safety Crackdown 2026?

The Maharashtra Food Safety Crackdown 2026 is a name given to the new food safety crackdown drive.

It is a big marathon inspection-evolvement of Maharashtra FDA on Food Safety. It applies to restaurants, hotels, food manufacturers, warehouses, canteen and other food businesses and the dairy business.

Who Has Taken Charge of the Maharashtra FDA?

Who is the new head of FDA in Maharashtra?

Branch officer Tukaram Mundhe is appointed as the Commissioner of Maharashtra FDA.

How Many Food Premises Were Inspected in Total?

According to FDA, trips in the period May 25 to July 31, 2026 showed that 3137 food establishments were inspected. (India Today)

What Amount of Unsafe Food Was Confiscated?

During this period, a total of 28.66 lakh kg of unsafe food valued at ₹55.72 crore was seized or destroyed by the FDA. India Today

How Many Food Licences Were Suspended?

How many food licenses were suspended?

Between May 25 and July 31, the FDA suspended 165 licences. (India Today)

Does the Issuance of an Improvement Notice Imply a Restaurant Is Closed?

Does receiving an improvement notice imply closure?

No. Improvement notice is notification advising business to rectify the food safety issues. Greater steps are possible if the business fails to cooperate or the violation is significant.

Has There Been Any Ban on Loose Edible Oil in Maharashtra?

Is it a fact that loose edible oil is not allowed in Maharashtra?

A shift in the role is occurring. The FDA took a step towards decisive measures against the loose edible oil, though it repealed its previous circular thanks to government intervention. The state government is mulling on an SOP approach. (Indian Express)

But Why Do Restaurants Need to Be Inspected?

The FDA is conducting inspections where there could be issues with poor sanitation, infestation, dated food, unsanitary conditions, adulteration or an inadequate food license.

What Resembles Paneer?

Analogue paneer is a type of paneer which can be made with non-milk or non-dairy products. In 2026, the Maharashtra government has banned its manufacturing, storage, transport, sale, and distribution for 12 months. (New Indian Express)

What Was the Reason for the FDA Issuance of the Notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff?

The FDA gave notices because of their involvement with a Vimal Elaichi ad. The department is looking into whether the advertising is considered as ‘surrogate’ advertising of a banned pan-masala product. (India Today)

Who Should I Contact If I Am Unhappy About the Safety of Food?

Complaint can be made by the Maharashtra FDA grievance system. Provide details about the business/shop name and location and as much details as you can about the issue. (Source: Maharashtra FDA( Grievance, Rednessal ))

Final Takeaway

Many areas of the food industry have come under the spotlight as part of the Maharashtra Food Safety Crackdown 2026.

The FDA is conducting inspections at food retailers, including restaurants, hotels, dairy farms, food processing plants and warehouses, canteens and other food vendors. In addition, it is also acting on food adulteration, analogue paneer, edible oil, gutkha and pan masala.

The first big number indicates the size of the drive. Between May 25th and July 31st, FDA reported a total of 3,137 inspections, 764 improvement notices, 165 suspended licences, and 28.66 lakh kg of unsafe food valued at ₹55.72 crore was seized or destroyed. (India Today)

The most important thing for consumers is to always beware of hygiene, packaging and food quality. Report to the authorities if serious issue with food safety.

A licence isn’t enough for restaurants or other food businesses. They also have to observe proper hygiene, food handling and storage practices, on a daily basis.

There is one aspect that deserves special attention: the free-flowing edible-oil problem is a current one. Keep in mind that the FDA’s instruction was rescinded on August 26th, so don’t take any curbing as a final determination.

The Maharashtra food safety campaign continues to gather more momentum and other steps and policies may also be expected in the future.