Latest news with #Zirwal
Indian Express
07-07-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Substandard edible oil found in Nandurbar: Minister warns of action
Several edible oil samples collected in Nandurbar district have failed to meet food safety standards, and action will be taken against the guilty, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal informed the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly during Question Hour on Monday. The matter was raised by MLA Aamshya Padvi, with follow-up questions from members Sameer Kunawar and Hiraman Khoskar. Responding to the question in the Lower House, Minister Zirwal said that on March 10, the FDA inspected the Gopal Provision Store in Akkalkuwa. During the inspection, samples of Mahika brand refined soybean oil and Kamla brand groundnut oil were collected for testing. Preliminary reports indicated that the samples were substandard as per food safety norms. Following an appeal by the vendor, the samples were sent for further analysis to the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru. Zirwal added that in the financial year 2024–25, 12 edible oil samples were tested in the district, of which five were found to be of inferior quality. 'Out of these, legal action has been initiated in two cases under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The remaining three are awaiting final reports from referral laboratories,' the minister said. Zirwal told the House that strict measures will be taken against those found violating food safety norms.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Maharashtra FDA lens on gutka ads, its home delivery, says minister Narhari Zirwal in legislative assembly
Mumbai: State FDA minister Narhari Zirwal on Friday told the assembly that it will crack down on pan masala ads, online delivery apps that sell pan masala and gutka, and e-commerce platforms that sell food through cloud kitchens. Responding to a calling attention motion raised by MLAs Manoj Ghorpade, Shweta Mahale, and Vikram Pachpute, Zirwal said govt will extend for one more year the ban on manufacture, storage, transport, distribution, or sale of gutka and pan masala. He said though DCM Ajit Pawar assured FDA Rs 200 crore for setting up more testing labs, the money has not yet been allocated. Zirwal said that multiple inspections were carried out at e-commerce companies such as Zepto, Swiggy, and Zomato among others, across the state. He reported that 43 e-commerce establishments and warehouses were inspected, and several were found to be storing expired food items and operating in unhygienic conditions. "FDA will inspect these godowns and outlets and take action against them if they are found unhygienic or in violation of FDA norms," he said. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Online Food Vendors Under Scanner in Maharashtra
Nagpur: Amid rising complaints against online food vendors, the Maharashtra government has launched a statewide inspection drive to curb irregularities and safeguard consumer health. . BJP MLC Sandip Joshi raised the issue during the ongoing monsoon session of the Maharashtra legislature on Wednesday, expressing concerns over poor food quality and fraud in online deliveries through popular food delivery apps. In response, food and drug administration (FDA) minister Narhari Zirwal announced the commencement of a special drive aimed at cracking down on non-compliant online food vendors. "Multiple complaints have been received regarding incorrect deliveries, substandard food items, and misleading packaging. In many instances, the items delivered are completely different from what was ordered. There is currently no effective system in place to monitor these apps or hold them accountable," Joshi said in the legislative council, demanding clarity on government regulation and enforcement mechanisms. Zirwal clarified that while the apps themselves are delivery platforms and not food businesses, the vendors listed on them fall under the purview of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pensia Pilon 3 NN Pensia Facultativă NN Vezi oferta Undo "The FDA has launched a special statewide inspection drive targeting these e-commerce food vendors. So far, 43 such entities have been inspected, with two licenses suspended and five served shutdown notices," Zirwal informed. He also acknowledged a shortage of enforcement personnel but said the government has approved the recruitment of 189 new staffers, who are currently undergoing training. Zirwal added that the government is expanding testing laboratories and strengthening surveillance of online food deliveries. The minister urged citizens to register complaints through the FSSAI or FDA portals. "Once complaints are received, investigations are carried out and appropriate action is taken against violators," he assured. Joshi further called for a clear protocol for sample testing of food supplied via delivery apps and questioned whether the FDA has adequate manpower and a structured grievance redressal mechanism. "This is a matter of consumer rights and public health. The absence of regulatory oversight cannot be overlooked," he remarked. While Zirwal promised systemic improvements, Joshi emphasized that the real challenge would be ensuring sustained and transparent enforcement across the state.
