FDA suspends 8 licences, seizes stock worth Rs 1.18 crore in Pune festive raids

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified inspections across Pune division ahead of the festive season, raiding 41 food establishments and suspending the licences of eight hotels, restaurants, bakeries and other food businesses for violating food safety norms.

The department seized food products worth Rs 23.89 lakh over suspected adulteration and labelling violations. In a separate crackdown on prohibited food products, raids were conducted at seven locations, with stock worth Rs 1.18 crore seized. Four FIRs were registered, and six people were arrested in connection with the action.advertisement❮❯ Read Full StoryBIGBASKET OUTLET LICENCE SUSPENDEDAmong the establishments facing action is Innovative Retail Concepts Pvt Ltd, which operates BigBasket's retail outlet on Karve Road in Pune. The FDA suspended its food business licence from September 22 following an inspection that found several food safety violations.

Officials said expired and damaged food products were found at the premises, along with signs of pest activity and improper storage and segregation of food items. Deficiencies were also detected in temperature control and cold-chain management.

D V Bhogawade, Joint Commissioner, FDA Pune Division, said the violations were contrary to the requirements prescribed under Schedule IV of the food safety regulations.

The company was given an opportunity to present its case during a hearing on September 22. After examining the inspection findings and the submissions made by the food business operator, the competent authority ordered suspension of the licence, citing the seriousness of the violations.

The FDA has also suspended the food business licences of Rangla Punjab restaurant in Sutarwadi, Pashan, and Manisha Dosa Center in Tathawade for alleged violations of food hygiene and safety requirements.

The latest enforcement drive covers establishments across Pune, Sangli, Solapur and Kolhapur.

The FDA said inspections will continue against businesses found selling or storing expired or adulterated food products or preparing food in unhygienic and unsafe conditions.- EndsPublished By: Priyanka KumariPublished On: Sep 24, 2026 16:10 IST