Maharashtra FDA Faces Challenges Amid Staff Shortage, Boosts Recruitment and Lab Expansion
Mumbai: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Department in Maharashtra is currently grappling with challenges in effectively conducting raids and curbing food and drug adulteration, primarily due to a shortage of staff and laboratories. FDA Minister Narahari Zirwal highlighted these issues during a briefing on Tuesday.
Manpower Shortage and Recruitment Drive
Addressing the manpower crisis, Minister Zirwal pointed out that despite the department’s crucial role in ensuring food safety, the lack of sufficient officers has limited its operations. The issue has been raised with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who has assured additional funding in the upcoming state budget.
To mitigate the shortage, the FDA has completed recruitment for over 200 pending posts of Assistant Commissioners (Food) and Food Safety Officers, positions that had been vacant since 2022. Furthermore, the government has proposed the creation of 750 new posts to further strengthen the department. This proposal is currently pending approval from the Finance Department.
Laboratory Network Expansion
Efforts are underway to enhance Maharashtra’s laboratory network to ensure timely testing of food samples. New laboratories in Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Pune have been completed and are set to be inaugurated soon.
To operate these labs effectively, 250 additional staff positions have been proposed. Finance Minister Ajit Pawar has sanctioned Rs 200 crore for laboratory strengthening, reflecting the government’s commitment to bolstering testing infrastructure.
Festive Season Food Safety Campaign
With the festive season in full swing, the FDA has launched a state-wide campaign titled ‘Sankalp Ann Surakshecha – San Maharashtra Cha’ (Resolution for Food Safety in Festive Maharashtra) aimed at curbing potential food adulteration during this critical period.
So far, the FDA has inspected 1,594 food establishments and collected 2,369 food samples. Of the 554 test reports received to date, 513 samples were certified as standard, 26 were found to be sub-standard, 4 had labeling defects, and 11 were deemed unsafe for consumption. Reports on the remaining 1,815 samples are still pending.
The food items tested include milk, khoya, ghee, edible oil, sweets, dry fruits, and chocolates.
Updates on Vaccine Production and Regulatory Efficiency
Minister Zirwal also provided updates on vaccine production initiatives. Rs 25 crore has been sanctioned for polio vaccine production at the Haffkine Institute, while Rs 1.5 crore has been allocated for anti-snakebite vaccines, with provisions to increase funding based on future requirements.
To improve regulatory and administrative efficiency, a three-member committee has been established, following the recommendations of the Dr. Mashelkar Committee. The panel includes secretaries from the Medical Education, Finance and Planning, and Public Health Departments.
Government Commitment
Minister Zirwal emphasized the Maharashtra government’s firm commitment to ensuring food safety for its citizens. Strengthening the FDA remains a top priority to enhance its effectiveness in combating food and drug adulteration across the state.