The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a toll-free helpline number for citizens to report suspected cases of adulterated, substandard, or unsafe food products across the state. Citizens can now call the toll-free helpline 1800222365 or email jc-foodhq@gov.in to lodge complaints about poor-quality food, adulteration, mislabeling, or any other food safety violations. The Maharashtra FDA toll-free number adulterated food initiative has been launched under the leadership of newly appointed FDA Commissioner IAS Tukaram Mundhe.
Who Is Tukaram Mundhe and Why His Appointment Matters
IAS Tukaram Mundhe is one of Maharashtra’s most well-known and respected officers, widely recognised for his no-nonsense, zero-tolerance approach to corruption and public safety violations. Mundhe assumed charge as FDA Commissioner on May 25, 2026, and launched a statewide enforcement drive almost immediately after taking office.
His appointment has been widely welcomed by consumer rights groups and citizens who have long demanded stronger action against food adulteration across Maharashtra.
Safe Food Safe Drug Safe Maharashtra Campaign
The crackdown was initiated under Mundhe’s directives as part of the FDA’s “Safe Food Safe Drug Safe Maharashtra” campaign aimed at ensuring safe food practices and curbing the sale of prohibited products across the state.
Under this campaign, raids were conducted across various districts of Maharashtra between May 29 and May 31, 2026. The campaign targets banned gutkha and pan masala traders, food adulteration, mislabelled products, and establishments violating food safety norms.
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✉️ jc-foodhq@gov.in #अन्नसुरक्षा #ग्राहकजागृती #भेसळमुक्तअन्न #अन्नगुणवत्ता #जागरूकग्राहक#FoodSafety #FoodQuality #MaharashtraGovernment… pic.twitter.com/gd0ARUPXV7— MAHARASHTRA DGIPR (@MahaDGIPR) June 4, 2026
One Week of Action: The Numbers
The scale of action taken within Mundhe’s first week in office is significant. Between May 25 and May 31, 2026, the FDA took action against 203 establishments involved in the sale of banned gutkha, pan masala, and adulterated food products. The department arrested 102 persons, sealed 86 establishments, and seized goods worth Rs 1.58 crore.
The action was carried out across Mumbai, Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Amravati divisions. Officials targeted traders selling prohibited gutkha and pan masala products and establishments violating food safety norms.
The Maharashtra FDA intensified its crackdown against banned gutkha and pan masala across the state, arresting 32 accused, sealing 26 establishments, and seizing contraband worth Rs 12.16 lakh during raids conducted over May 30 and 31 alone.
According to the FDA, the highest action was reported in the Konkan division, where 16 establishments were raided and 16 persons were arrested. The Nashik division also saw significant enforcement activity, with food safety officers conducting raids across multiple locations in the region.
Nashik Division’s Contribution to the Campaign
The FDA Nashik Division launched a special campaign to ensure that citizens have access to pure, authentic, and nutritious food products. During the seven-day period from May 28 to June 3, 2026, the division seized a stock of suspicious and illegal food products valued at Rs 15,89,533.
This operation was carried out under the directives of FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe and covered multiple locations across the Nashik district.
What Tukaram Mundhe Said
Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe stated that compromising public health would not be tolerated under any circumstances. “Citizens have the right to safe and pure food. Strict action will continue against those involved in food adulteration and the sale of banned substances,” he said. NMC
Mundhe also urged citizens to immediately report suspicious food products and provide details such as the exact address of the establishment and the nature of suspected adulteration while filing complaints.
How Nagpur Residents Can Report Adulterated Food
This initiative is directly relevant to Nagpur residents. If you come across a food product that appears adulterated, smells unusual, has unclear labelling, or is being sold past its expiry date, you can now report it directly to the FDA using the official channels below.
Complaints can be lodged if consumers suspect poor-quality food, adulteration, mislabelling, or other violations related to food safety. Every complaint is reviewed by FDA officials and can trigger an immediate inspection of the reported establishment.
FDA Contact Details for Reporting
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| Toll-Free Helpline | 1800222365 |
| Official Email | jc-foodhq@gov.in |
| Campaign Name | Safe Food Safe Drug Safe Maharashtra |
| Commissioner | Tukaram Mundhe, IAS |
| Active Since | May 25, 2026 |
