The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently initiated legal proceedings against a Mumbai-based firm, Khushi Trading, for allegedly repackaging expired food products and reselling them in the market. The firm in Ghatkopar has also been accused of operating without a valid food safety licence and violating prior stop-business orders. According to FDA officials, the crackdown was conducted following inputs from Minister of State for FDA Yogesh Kadam and under the supervision of Joint Commissioner (Food) Mangesh Mane. An official said a surprise inspection on May 22 at the firm’s premises in Cozmongie Estate, Ghatkopar (West), uncovered serious lapses, including the absence of an FSSAI licence, unhygienic storage conditions, and evidence of procurement of expired and near-expiry goods from retail giant D-Mart, which were allegedly being repackaged for fresh sale. “This poses a direct threat to public health. The firm was found flouting multiple provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, including hygiene norms laid out in Schedule 4,” said a senior FDA official. Despite being issued a stop-business order by Food Safety Officer Abhinandan Randive on May 22, a follow-up inspection on May 29, conducted along with Assistant Commissioner (Food) Anupamaa Balasaheb Patil, revealed that the firm had resumed operations without permission, in violation of regulatory directives. Following this, an FIR was registered at the Ghatkopar police station under Section 223 (disobedience of lawful orders) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 55 (penalties for failing to comply with the food safety officer's directions) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FDA officials have confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of D-Mart’s involvement, particularly branches in Navi Mumbai and Bhiwandi, from where Khushi Trading allegedly sourced expired stock. D-Mart's comment is awaited on the matter. The FDA has reiterated its warning to all food business operators to adhere to food safety laws strictly and stated that failure to do so will result in stringent legal action. The FDA recently also suspended the food business license of Kiranakart Technologies, the parent company of the quick-commerce platform Zepto, following an inspection that revealed unhygienic storage practices for food items at its Dharavi facility in Mumbai.
