The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a major statewide crackdown against the resale of expired food products and adulteration of edible oil. Between June and October 2026, the department seized expired food items worth more than ₹5.01 crore. In a separate drive against adulterated edible oil, authorities confiscated products valued at approximately ₹18.95 crore.

The biggest action against expired food products was carried out in the Turbhe area of Navi Mumbai, where officials recovered expired food items worth more than ₹4.12 crore from a cold storage facility. This accounted for nearly 82 per cent of the total value of expired goods seized during the operation. In addition, products worth over ₹73 lakh were seized from various locations in Bhiwandi. Action has been initiated against 34 individuals so far.

According to the FDA investigation, certain establishments were allegedly attempting to resell expired, damaged and improperly packaged food products instead of disposing of them safely. Based on these suspicions, officials conducted raids at warehouses and establishments in Bhiwandi, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Pune.

During inspections, authorities discovered several irregularities, including inadequate arrangements for storing expired and damaged food products separately. Officials also found serious shortcomings in disposal-related documentation. At some locations, expired and damaged products were stored together. The presence of rats and cockroaches, damaged packaging and poor sanitation facilities were also reported.

The FDA has directed businesses to maintain separate, locked rooms for storing expired food products. Warehouses must also install CCTV cameras and maintain video recordings of the disposal process. Establishments are required to inform the concerned department at least seven days before disposing of expired products. Providing incorrect information may attract penalties of up to ₹10 lakh.

Meanwhile, a separate statewide campaign against edible oil adulteration was conducted between April 1 and October 29, 2026. During this period, the FDA inspected 1,089 establishments, including edible oil manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, and collected 1,660 samples for laboratory testing.

As part of this operation, authorities seized 28,753 quintals of edible oil valued at approximately ₹18.95 crore.

The FDA has stated that enforcement measures will continue across Maharashtra to prevent the sale of unsafe food products and protect public health.