FDA collects samples from popular eateries in Mumbai, Maharashtra

To ensure safe New Year celebrations for Mumbai, the food and drug administration (FDA) carried out checks on food items at eateries across the city and Maharashtra on Wednesday.

To ensure safe New Year celebrations for Mumbai, the food and drug administration (FDA) carried out checks on food items at eateries across the city and Maharashtra on Wednesday.

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At the time of going to press, 19 food safety officers had taken 21 samples from across Mumbai and carried out 25 surprise inspections. The drive, according to FDA, continued till midnight.

The FDA had deputed 200 officers across the state. “We instructed our food officers to collect samples from hotels and eateries from the area under their jurisdiction for lab tests,” said Purushottam Bhapkar, FDA commissioner.

“The drive is massive. We are doing everything possible to get the results in time,” said Suresh Annapure, joint commissioner, food, FDA. “If we find any irregularity, we will issue a notice. On getting the reports from the laboratory, we will initiate action against those guilty,” said Annapure.

The FDA said the food samples collected on December 31 will be tested within 24 hours. “The samples will be tested for adulteration as well as quality. The officers will be on field through the night and will visit party spots in their jurisdiction to collect samples,” said Bhapkar.