Pune, 2nd June 2026: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified its crackdown on food adulteration and illegal food businesses in Pune district, uncovering the use of artificial colour in fried peas and seizing food stock worth more than Rs 19 lakh during raids conducted at five locations in Khed and Ambegaon talukas.
During an inspection at a farsan shop in Narhe, FDA officials found that artificial colour was being mixed in fried peas to make the product appear more attractive. The department seized 68 kg of fried peas worth Rs 7,480.
The action comes shortly after Tukaram Mundhe took charge as the state FDA Commissioner, following which officials launched a special drive against food adulteration and unsafe food practices across the district.
Pune division Joint Commissioner Digambar Bhogawade said the raids were part of a focused campaign targeting illegal and unsafe food businesses.
In Ambegaon taluka, officials raided two small godowns behind Sairaj Pan and Tea House and Samiksha Coldrink General and Kirana Store in Manchar. The teams found banned gutkha, pan masala, and similar prohibited products worth Rs 30,395 being stored and sold illegally.
A case has been registered at Manchar Police Station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Another raid at Khemraj Food Industries Private Limited in Manchar revealed that the establishment was operating without the required licence and registration. Officials seized nearly 19,886 kg of food items, including maida, besan, atta, and other products worth Rs 10.49 lakh. Samples have been sent for analysis.
In Khed taluka, FDA officials also raided Ujjwal Supari at Khalchi Bhamburwadi, where the business was allegedly operating without proper registration. Around 1,898 kg of supari worth Rs 8.16 lakh was seized on suspicion that the products were unsafe and uncertified.
The operation was carried out in the presence of food safety officers and senior FDA officials as part of the department’s ongoing drive against food adulteration and illegal food trade in the district.