‘My Role Is To…’: After Mumbai Restaurant Crackdown, Tukaram Mundhe Warns More Sectors Under FDA Scanner

Last Updated:August 02, 2026, 12:01 IST

The notices issued to restaurants are part of the FDA’s wider enforcement drive under Mundhe, aimed at expanding regulatory checks.

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has defended the action taken against several well-known restaurants over alleged hygiene violations, saying the regulator’s objective is to ensure food safety and not conduct routine inspections.

In an interview with The Economic Times, Mundhe was asked about the notices issued to prominent eateries for failing to meet hygiene standards. He said his role was not limited to simply carrying out assigned duties.

“My role is to regulate and ensure that safe food and safe drugs are available," he told ET, adding that all products manufactured in Maharashtra must comply with prescribed norms and standards.

The notices issued to restaurants are part of the FDA’s wider enforcement drive under Mundhe, aimed at expanding regulatory checks.

Mundhe said the department had also taken action against hospitals that allegedly forced patients to buy medicines from in-house pharmacies. He said the practice had been stopped across several government hospitals in cities including Nagpur, Pune, Mumbai, Solapur and Sangli.

According to the commissioner, patients should have the freedom to purchase prescribed medicines from any licensed pharmacy, whether located within the hospital premises or outside.

He indicated that the FDA’s inspections would extend beyond restaurants and hospital pharmacies.

Mundhe said spices and edible oils would be among the next products to face increased scrutiny. He added that alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages also come under the regulator’s jurisdiction, covering aspects such as quality standards and packaging, which he believes often receive limited attention.

On the pharmaceutical sector, Mundhe said the FDA has approached the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) over concerns regarding overpriced medicines. He claimed that the department had found instances where drugs costing only a small amount to manufacture were being sold at much higher prices.

He also expressed concern over the misuse of antibiotics, stating that some pharmacies continue to sell them without valid prescriptions. The FDA is preparing stricter action against chemists and manufacturers found violating regulations, he added.

Responding to questions on political pressure, Mundhe said enforcement would remain consistent irrespective of the people or organisations involved. He stressed that safe food and medicines cannot be compromised and that the department would continue taking action against violations.

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