Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe posted on X that he has not been transferred, clarifying his continued role amid rumors sparked by his new appointment as secretary of a five‑member committee to probe alleged paper leaks in Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examinations.
The statement came after the state government named Mundhe to the panel on Sunday, a move that coincided with growing public scrutiny of the FDA’s intensified enforcement against unsafe food and substandard drugs. Since taking office, the FDA has conducted multiple inspections and raids on eateries, targeting violations ranging from improper storage to the sale of adulterated ingredients.
Consumers have largely welcomed the crackdown, citing increased confidence in food safety, while restaurant operators have expressed frustration over the rapid pace of inspections and the perceived lack of clear guidelines. One Delhi‑based chef, who wished to remain anonymous, told reporters that the new regulations have forced his kitchen to re‑evaluate sourcing practices.
Some of the FDA’s actions have been challenged in court, with a petition filed by a food‑service company arguing that certain inspection procedures violated procedural norms. The legal battle is still pending, but the department maintains that its steps are within statutory authority.
The five‑member MPSC panel, headed by former judge Dilip Bhosale, also includes IPS officer Laxmi Gautam, former IAS officer Ganesh Patil and retired judge P. D. Naik. Its mandate is to investigate alleged irregularities in the conduct of state examinations and the tenure of current and former MPSC chairpersons.
The panel’s first meeting is scheduled for next week, and the FDA has announced that it will continue its enforcement drive until the end of the year, with a focus on ensuring compliance among food establishments and pharmaceutical distributors.