FSSAI Chief Backs Tukaram Mundhe, Says Food Safety Is Not About Punishment

FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani has backed Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe’s strict enforcement drive across the state. Punhani praised Mundhe for taking strong action against restaurants, food businesses, warehouses and other establishments violating food safety rules. He said Mundhe’s work shows that officials can make a major difference even with the existing workforce. The Maharashtra FDA has carried out thousands of inspections and suspended several licences during the recent campaign. Punhani also rejected the perception that a posting in the food safety department amounts to punishment. He said Mundhe’s efforts have brought greater attention to the importance of food safety administration.

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FSSAI Chief Calls for Dedicated Food Safety Commissioners

Punhani said food safety departments have not received the attention they deserve in many states. He explained that several officers traditionally viewed the position of food safety commissioner as a less important assignment. According to him, the health system has historically received greater administrative focus because it already has established institutions and infrastructure. Food safety developed comparatively later, and many states often gave the responsibility as an additional charge. Punhani said authorities should change this approach because food safety directly affects public health. He stressed that every state should have a dedicated food safety commissioner to oversee enforcement and improve coordination.

While discussing Mundhe’s enforcement campaign, Punhani highlighted that the Maharashtra FDA commissioner did not receive additional manpower. Mundhe carried out the drive with the same team and the existing number of food safety officers. Punhani said this demonstrates how effective leadership and determination can improve enforcement without immediately increasing resources. The campaign has focused on inspections and action against businesses that fail to follow prescribed food safety standards. Punhani expressed satisfaction with Mundhe’s work and said it has helped draw public attention to the role of food safety departments. He believes the campaign can encourage food businesses to take safety regulations more seriously.

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Bombay High Court Questioned FDA’s Enforcement

Punhani’s support for Mundhe comes at a time when the Maharashtra FDA has faced criticism over some enforcement actions. The Bombay High Court recently questioned the manner in which the FDA handled certain cases under Mundhe’s leadership. The court criticised what it viewed as disproportionate action against commercial establishments and questioned whether officials followed due process. The judges also raised concerns about the speed of some enforcement decisions. The court indicated that regulators should act firmly but also follow a practical and proportionate approach. These observations have added scrutiny to the FDA’s enforcement campaign, even as the central food regulator continues to support stronger action against food safety violations.

Punhani’s comments have renewed the debate over the need for stronger food safety administration across India. He believes every state should appoint a dedicated commissioner who can focus entirely on food safety enforcement and monitoring. He also pointed to Mundhe’s campaign as an example of how existing teams can deliver results with committed leadership. At the same time, regulatory authorities face the challenge of ensuring that strict enforcement follows proper procedures. The FSSAI chief’s remarks suggest that food safety departments need greater administrative importance and dedicated resources. A stronger system could help improve compliance among food businesses while protecting consumers. The focus now remains on creating an effective balance between strict enforcement, due process and public safety.

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