‘Safe Food, Safe Medicine, Safe Maharashtra’: Mundhe Says Public Health Is Non-Negotiable
News india‘Safe Food, Safe Medicine, Safe Maharashtra’: Mundhe Says Public Health Is Non-Negotiable Last Updated: August 19, 2026, 16:09 IST ‘Rules are already there, enforcement is critical’: Tukaram. . .
Newsindia‘Safe Food, Safe Medicine, Safe Maharashtra’: Mundhe Says Public Health Is Non-NegotiableLast Updated:August 19, 2026, 16:09 IST‘Rules are already there, enforcement is critical’: Tukaram Mundhe outlines his vision for an FDA focused on safety, regulation and supply-chain compliance. ‘There Can Be No Compromise’: Mundhe On His Public Health-First FDA Approach (Photo: File Image)Our mantra is safe food, safe medicine, safe Maharashtra. There can be no compromise in the health of the public," Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said in an interview with CNN-News18’s Rahul Shivshankar. Mundhe said more than 3,000 inspections have been carried out and stressed that he has redefined the functioning of the FDA, with enforcement of existing rules being critical. ‘Rules Are Already There, Enforcement Is Critical’Recommended StoriesForget The Hot Daily Commutes With These Budget Portable Neck FansPakistani Man Held On Independence Day In Delhi Worked As A Cook, To Be DeportedIndiGo Booking System Faces Technical Glitch; Passengers Report Issues With Flight Booking, Web Check-In'Maha' Powers For Fadnavis: Maharashtra CM Can Now Override Ministers, Greater Access To DeptsMundhe said the rules and regulations are already in place, but their enforcement is what matters. He said his role is to ensure that safety standards are maintained across the state, covering regulatory requirements as well as compliance throughout the supply chain. ‘There Is No Trigger Point For A Crackdown’“There is no trigger point for a crackdown," Mundhe said, stressing that enforcement should not be dependent on a particular trigger. He said ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards across the supply chain is part of his responsibility. FDA Steps Up Inspections Across MaharashtraMundhe’s remarks come amid an intensified enforcement drive by Maharashtra’s FDA. The department inspected 3,137 hotels, restaurants, eateries and other establishments between May 25 and July 31, according to figures released by Mundhe. Licences of 165 establishments were suspended during the period. The FDA has also expanded its inspections across different parts of the food supply chain. Recent reporting said the department has been examining food establishments and taking action over violations of food-safety and hygiene standards. Focus On Compliance Across The Supply ChainMundhe’s stated approach puts the emphasis on ensuring compliance with existing regulations and maintaining safety standards across the food and medicine supply chain. His message is that the FDA’s responsibility is to ensure that these standards are followed across Maharashtra, in line with the department’s public-health mandate. News18 NewsletterHandpicked stories, in your inboxA newsletter with the best of our journalismKey Questions AnsweredPowered byAsk News18Maharashtra residents can expect stricter enforcement of food safety regulations, with the FDA conducting more inspections of hotels, restaurants, and other establishments. There will be a ban on the sale, advertisement, and free distribution of high fat, sugar, and salt foods and beverages within 50 metres of schools. The FDA is also developing a mobile application for easier complaint lodging. Powered byAsk News18Location :Delhi, India, IndiaFirst Published:August 19, 2026, 16:07 ISTDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to ourTerms of UseandPrivacy Policy. Loading comments. . . Read More