Tukaram Mundhe Cracks Down on Expired Food Mafia in Maharashtra Ahead of Diwali

Tukaram Mundhe tightens Maharashtra FDA rules to stop expired food resale, making CCTV monitoring and verified destruction mandatory for companies

Imagine buying sweets, chocolates, namkeen or packaged food for your family during the festive season, only to discover that the products have already expired. Even more concerning, what if food products that were supposed to be destroyed were secretly repackaged and sent back to the market? This is the serious food safety concern that has prompted action in Maharashtra. Tukaram Mundhe, Commissioner of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has introduced stricter rules to prevent expired, damaged and returned food products from reaching consumers again. The new measures require companies to maintain proper stock records, locked storage areas, CCTV surveillance and verifiable proof of destruction.

Tukaram Mundhe Takes Strict Action Against Expired Food Mafia

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has intensified action against the alleged illegal circulation of expired food products. The department’s investigation reportedly uncovered irregularities in the way several businesses handled food products that were declared unfit for consumption.

According to investigation findings shared by the FDA, certain expired, damaged and customer-returned products handed over to disposal agencies were allegedly diverted to unauthorised warehouses instead of being properly destroyed. Some products were reportedly repackaged or had their expiry markings altered before being supplied through brokers and retailers.

The issue raises serious questions about food safety and the responsibility of companies involved in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and retail.

Maharashtra FDA Seizes Expired Food Stock Worth Over ₹5 Crore

During its enforcement operations between June and October 2026, the Maharashtra FDA seized food products worth approximately ₹5.01 crore across 10 locations.

One of the biggest seizures took place at a cold storage facility in Turbhe, Navi Mumbai, where officials seized approximately 91,353 kg of dry fruits and spices valued at ₹4.12 crore.

The department also identified irregularities in stock management, disposal documentation and the movement of expired products.

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According to reports, seven offences have been registered involving 34 accused, including company directors, warehouse managers, disposal agencies, brokers and sellers.

These findings have prompted the FDA to introduce stricter statewide compliance requirements to prevent products intended for destruction from returning to the consumer market.

New Rules: CCTV Monitoring and Locked Storage for Expired Products

One of the most important changes under the Maharashtra Expired, Damaged and Rejected Food (Handling and Disposal) Compliance Order, 2026, is the requirement for businesses to maintain separate storage areas for products that are no longer suitable for sale.

Warehouses, fulfilment centres, dark stores, depots, cold storage facilities and distributors will have to follow strict procedures.

The major requirements include:

• Locked quarantine areas: Expired, damaged and returned food products must be stored separately from saleable stock.
• CCTV surveillance: These designated storage areas must remain under camera monitoring.
• Clear warning signs: The areas must display notices stating that the products are not fit for human consumption.
• Daily stock records: Businesses must maintain detailed records of the products stored in these areas.
• Proper destruction: Packages must be slit or crushed before dispatch to prevent resale or reuse.
• Authorised disposal agencies: Companies must use disposal facilities approved by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.

These requirements are intended to make the entire disposal process more transparent and traceable.

Companies Must Provide Proof of Expired Food Destruction

Simply handing expired products to a waste-disposal contractor will no longer be sufficient to establish that the stock has been destroyed.

Under the new compliance requirements, companies must maintain verifiable evidence throughout the disposal process.

This includes vehicle movement records, weighbridge slips, e-way bills, GPS tracking information and geo-tagged video recordings of destruction. The process must also be witnessed by two independent witnesses.

Businesses must inform the concerned Food Safety Officer at least seven days before disposing of 50 kg or more of food stock.

The FDA has also made it clear that companies remain responsible for ensuring that expired products are actually destroyed, even after transferring them to disposal agencies.

Why Is Selling Expired Food Dangerous for Consumers?

Expired or improperly stored food products can create serious health concerns. Depending on the product, storage conditions and level of contamination, harmful microorganisms may develop and make food unsafe to consume.

Eating contaminated food can cause symptoms such as:

• Vomiting and nausea
• Diarrhoea and stomach pain
• Fever and digestive problems
• Food poisoning and dehydration

In severe cases, foodborne illnesses may require medical attention or hospitalisation. Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems can face greater risks.

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However, not every product becomes dangerous immediately after its printed date. Food safety depends on the type of product, its storage conditions and the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

This is why consumers should always check expiry or use-by dates, packaging conditions and storage instructions before purchasing food.

Strict Penalties for Companies Violating Food Safety Rules

The Maharashtra FDA has warned businesses that violations of the new requirements can lead to serious consequences.

Providing false information can attract penalties of up to ₹10 lakh under Section 61 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Altering, erasing or concealing expiry-date markings can also lead to prosecution under applicable food safety provisions.

Companies, warehouses and other businesses involved in the illegal circulation of expired products may face licence suspension and further legal action.

The objective is to establish accountability across the entire food supply chain rather than holding only the final retailer responsible.

Conclusion: Tukaram Mundhe’s Food Safety Crackdown Aims to Protect Consumers

The action led by Tukaram Mundhe highlights an important issue concerning public health and food safety in Maharashtra. Expired, damaged and returned products should never find their way back into the market through illegal repackaging or resale.

The new rules requiring locked storage, CCTV monitoring, detailed records and verified destruction aim to make companies more accountable for their products.

As festive shopping increases demand for sweets, snacks and packaged food, consumers also need to remain careful about what they purchase. Ultimately, business profits should never come at the cost of public health. The real success of this crackdown will depend on consistent inspections, transparent investigations and strict implementation of the rules.

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