Pune Leads Maharashtra in Food Safety Complaints on New FDA Portal

Pune district has emerged as the state’s biggest hotspot for food hygiene grievances, topping the list of complaints registered on the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) newly launched grievance portal.

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe revealed the data on Saturday during a food safety conference organized by the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA). The digital platform, complaints.mahafda.in, designed to bring transparency to food safety enforcement, witnessed an overwhelming public response, drawing over 10 lakh hits within its first 24 hours of going live.

“The highest number of complaints has been registered in Pune district, and most of them concern unhygienic food,” Mundhe told reporters.

To ensure swift accountability, the new system enforces a strict timeline. The regional FDA Joint Commissioner must acknowledge a complaint within 24 hours and assign it to an inspector. If they fail to act, the case automatically escalates to senior state officials. Mundhe also disclosed that the FDA is exploring blockchain technology to create an unalterable registry of repeat offenders and past enforcement actions.

The surge in public reports aligns with a major state-wide crackdown on food establishments since Mundhe took charge in May. Recent high-profile enforcement actions include suspending the license of Mumbai’s iconic Parsi Dairy Farm and shutting down a canteen at Mumbai’s KEM Hospital due to severe hygiene violations.

The FDA chief issued a stern warning to hotels, restaurants, and dhabas, demanding strict compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) 22 core regulations.