Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 2: Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has defended the department's recent action against several well-known restaurants over alleged hygiene violations, asserting that the regulator's primary responsibility is to ensure the availability of safe food and medicines rather than conduct routine inspections.
In an interview with The Economic Times, Mundhe said the FDA is committed to ensuring that all food and pharmaceutical products manufactured in Maharashtra comply with prescribed quality and safety standards.
He said the notices issued to restaurants are part of a broader enforcement drive aimed at strengthening regulatory compliance across the state.
Highlighting the department's recent initiatives, Mundhe said the FDA has also acted against hospitals that allegedly compelled patients to purchase medicines exclusively from in-house pharmacies. He noted that such practices have been curbed in several government hospitals across cities including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Solapur and Sangli.
According to Mundhe, patients should be free to buy prescribed medicines from any licensed pharmacy, whether located inside or outside hospital premises.
He further said the FDA would expand its inspections to other sectors, including spices, edible oils, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, to ensure adherence to quality and packaging standards.
On the pharmaceutical front, Mundhe revealed that the department has approached the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) regarding concerns over excessive pricing of certain medicines. He alleged that some drugs with low manufacturing costs were being sold at disproportionately high prices.
The commissioner also expressed concern over the misuse of antibiotics, stating that some pharmacies continue to dispense them without valid prescriptions. He said the FDA is preparing stricter action against chemists and manufacturers found violating the regulations.
Responding to questions about political pressure, Mundhe maintained that enforcement would remain impartial and consistent, regardless of the individuals or organisations involved, stressing that food and medicine safety cannot be compromised.