Pune: The state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently launched coordinated raids across Pune and Solapur districts, seizing large quantities of adulterated jaggery, ghee, and snacks (namkeen). The licences of several non-compliant units were suspended following the drive.In one of the biggest actions against jaggery manufacturers in recent months, the FDA seized adulterated jaggery, sugar, industrial chemicals, and packing materials worth Rs33.84 lakh from eight units located in Daund, Yavat, and Patas.Digambar Bhogawadade, joint commissioner of the FDA (Pune division), said, “Our team discovered the large-scale use of industrial chemicals such as sodium hydrosulphide, phosphoric acid, and glycerol monostearate. Several units were found to be either operating in unhygienic conditions or functioning without valid food licenses. These chemicals are known to have serious long-term health impacts.” Medical research indicates that these substances can cause gastrointestinal irritation, respiratory issues, and potential liver or kidney damage if ingested in high doses. On July 1, the Pune FDA team inspected a dairy production unit and seized 230 kg of ghee worth approximately ₹90,400. The stock lacked mandatory labelling and was suspected of being adulterated. The establishment’s FSSAI license has been suspended pending laboratory results.On the same day, a parallel drive in Solapur targeted a snacks manufacturing company. Officials seized 190 kg of namkeen, valued at around Rs32,000, citing labelling violations and suspected adulteration.The FDA has said that these drives will continue to ensure that festive and daily-use food items meet safety regulations.
