Pune Reports Highest Number of Unhygienic Food Complaints in Maharashtra, Says FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe
Pune district has emerged as the leading hotspot for unhygienic food complaints in Maharashtra since the state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched its online grievance portal. The revelation was made on Saturday by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe during a food safety conference organized by the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA).
The senior IAS officer highlighted that the newly introduced digital platform has seen an unprecedented public response, putting local eateries under intense regulatory scrutiny.
Grievance Portal Records 10 Lakh Hits Within 24 Hours
The FDA recently deployed its dedicated portal—complaints.mahafda.in—to empower citizens to directly report food safety violations and sanitary lapses.
The platform recorded nearly 10 lakh hits within the first 24 hours of its launch, with thousands of formal complaints successfully registered.
Out of all the districts in Maharashtra, Pune recorded the highest volume of grievances, with the vast majority of citizens flagging unhygienic food preparation and subpar sanitation standards at local eateries.
New Escalation Matrix to Drive Accountability
To prevent bureaucratic delays, Commissioner Mundhe outlined a strict, time-bound framework implemented within the grievance system to enforce transparency:
The regional Joint Commissioner must take formal cognizance of every digital complaint within 24 hours and immediately assign it to an enforcement officer.
If an assigned officer fails to initiate field action within the prescribed window, the complaint automatically escalates to a higher departmental authority to guarantee a timely resolution.
FSSAI Compliance and Ongoing State-Wide Crackdowns
Mundhe urged hoteliers, restaurateurs, and roadside food operators to strictly adopt comprehensive food safety management systems and adhere to all 22 core regulations mandated by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Since Mundhe took charge as FDA Commissioner in May, the regulatory body has significantly intensified its field inspections, resulting in high-profile enforcement actions:
The FDA recently suspended the operating license of this iconic establishment following serious lapses in sanitation and food safety protocols. The facility’s operational license was suspended, and the canteen was ordered to immediately cease operations due to similar hygiene violations.
Blockchain Integration on the Horizon
Looking to modern infrastructure solutions, the FDA is currently exploring the integration of blockchain technology. The proposed decentralized system will securely log and track the historical records of food business operators who have faced prior regulatory action. According to Mundhe, this tech implementation will significantly boost traceability, prevent repeat offenses, and streamline future food safety enforcement across Maharashtra.
