Sting, Schools, and Synthetic Milk: Mundhe's Widening War

Earlier, Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mostly took action during festivals to conduct inspections and to check food adulteration. But that changed rapidly since IAS Officer Tukaram Mundhe took charge as the state’s FDA commissioner on May 25. In just a few weeks, the department has launched one of the biggest crackdowns in recent years, targeting everything from synthetic milk and banned tobacco products to energy drinks sold near schools. Known for his strict and no-nonsense style of working, Mundhe has earned a reputation as one of Maharashtra’s toughest bureaucrats. He has been transferred 25 times in 21 years of his career, often because of his uncompromising approach. Now, as FDA Commissioner, he has set a goal for the department: “Safe Food, Safe Drug, Safe Maharashtra”. To achieve this, Mundhe has introduced a strategy called “E3”, which stands for “Empower People, Enable Businesses and Enforce Laws.” The idea is simple. People should be aware of their rights and understand food safety rules. Honest and authentic businesses should get support and guidance to follow the law. But those who do not follow the law and put people’s health at risk should face strict actions and consequences.

Within the first month at his office, the FDA seized more than 22 lakh kilograms of adulterated and unsafe products worth Rs. 29.11 crore. More than 235FIRss were registered, hundreds of people got arrested, and 274 illegal establishments were sealed. The raids uncovered an endless number of violations across Maharashtra. The Officials found artificially ripened mangoes, adulterated milk and paneer, mislabeled edible oils and unhygienic food products being sold to consumers. Illegal Gutkha and Tobacco products also surfaced on the radar. Among all these, the biggest discovery was synthetic milk rackets operating in places such as Mumbai and Jalgaon. Synthetic milk is made of chemicals and substances that are not meant to be consumed. Such products can cause serious health problems, especially for children and older people.

By exposing these networks, the FDA put light on everyday food products that are consumed by people without any suspicions. Mundhe also took a tough stand against illegal trade of nicotine products. He announced plans to invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the manufacturers and distributors involved in illegal and banned tobacco and gutkha businesses. His objectives are not to get rid of genuine traders. Instead, the aim is to remove these organised groups which continue to make money by selling products that seriously harm public health. Most importantly, this crackdown has not been limited to adulterated food and tobacco products.

Recently, the Maharashtra Government has announced that high-caffeine energy drinks, including popular brands such as Sting, would no longer be sold within a 500-meter radius of schools. This decision was taken after concerns were raised in the State Legislative Assembly about school students having easy access to high-caffeine beverages. Officials also mentioned that many energy drink labels state that they are not recommended for children. Despite this, they are sold outside schools, making them easily available to students. Nutritionists and Health experts have repeatedly warned consumers in the past about energy drinks containing high levels of caffeine and sugar. A standard bottle of Sting contains around 70 to 75 milligrams of caffeine, which is roughly equal to one cup of coffee and nearly seven teaspoons of sugar. Regular consumption of these energy drinks may cause sleeping problems, anxiety, increased heart rate, obesity and an undiagnosed addiction to caffeine. Keeping such products away from schools is being seen as a major step that will protect children’s health. The government has also ordered authorities to conduct regular inspections around schools and collect food and beverage samples to check whether these products violate any food safety rules. Schools are also expected to spread awareness about health risks through educational programmes.

Mundhe’s Administration has shown that they will not step back even if it is a popular company. One of the most high-profile companies, Patanjali Divya Pharmacy, has been raided bythe FDA due to their manufactured products. The Officials seized products worth around 51 lakhs, alleging that some medicines claimed as “miraculous” or “guaranteed cure” for certain diseases. Such claims are not permitted under Indian law. The company later approached the Mumbai High Court, claiming it was being unfairly targeted. However, Mundhe immediately conveyed that public health comes first and no company or individual will receive special treatment if safety standards are violated. His quick actions were also seen during the Pune and Pimpri Chinwad illicit liquor tragedy, which resulted in the loss of 18 lives. The FDA immediately sealed the establishment attached to the case and seized nearly 6000 kilograms of toxic methanol, which was allegedly used during the production of the liquor.

Such aggressive actions were not welcomed by everyone. Some business groups have expressed concerns over the raids and inspections. At the same time, the Maharashtra Government completely supported Mundhe as the FDA commissioner. Yet, it quietly removed him from his role as Guardian Secretary. This step is seen as a sign of fear and discomfort created in this system through his no-nonsense style of work. Whether Tukaram Mundhe’s style of work will permanently change Maharashtra’s food and drug sector remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear. Under his leadership, the FDA has become more conscious, active and visible than it has been in years. Mundhe’s widening war is sending an important message to the people that health cannot be compromised.

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