Pune: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences and registrations of 12 eateries, restaurants, and bakeries across the region after inspections uncovered serious hygiene lapses, expired food stocks, and violations of safety norms.The crackdown, conducted on July 18 and 21, was part of the state govt’s “safe food, safe drug, safe Maharashtra” campaign. According to an official FDA statement, the targeted outlets span both urban and semi-urban locations in Balewadi, Kalyaninagar, Market Yard, Aundh, Bavdhan, Chinchwad, Junnar, Khed, Maval, and parts of Satara district.Officials stated that the suspensions were issued because the establishments failed to meet basic cleanliness standards and flouted statutory food safety rules.In a parallel enforcement drive between July 16 and 21, the FDA also seized banned food stocks worth Rs3.48 lakh from three establishments in Pandharpur, Waduj, and Chinchwad. This action led to the registration of criminal cases and the arrest of five individuals.The department has warned that it will continue to take strict action against businesses that violate hygiene and legal protocols. Food operators have been specifically instructed to provide clean, potable drinking water, use only food-grade packaging materials, strictly avoid reuse of cooking oil and ensure all operations are covered by a valid licence.The FDA has also urged consumers to remain vigilant and report any grievances or suspected violations via the department’s toll-free helpline.
