'Tukaram Mundhe approved eatery': Harsh Goenka says forget Michelin stars as Maharashtra FDA chief’s strict food safety checks take social media by storm

Industrialist Harsh Goenka has shared a hilarious take on Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, whose strict action against restaurants and food businesses has made him something of a social media sensation.

Goenka shared a picture of a board outside a restaurant that read, “Forget Michelin stars, Tukaram Mundhe approved eatery.” The post comes at a time when Mundhe has been making headlines for his tough approach towards food safety violations across Maharashtra.



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‘Tukaram Mundhe approved’ is the new restaurant status symbol

The tongue-in-cheek sign suggests that getting a Michelin star is no longer the ultimate brag for restaurants, being approved by Mundhe is.

Mundhe, a 2005-batch IAS officer, has earned the nickname ‘Singham’ on social media because of his no-nonsense approach to enforcement. Since taking charge of the Maharashtra FDA, he has stepped up inspections of restaurants, food shops, warehouses and quick-commerce facilities.

His actions have attracted considerable attention, with several well-known food businesses facing action over alleged hygiene and food safety violations.

Why Tukaram Mundhe is making headlines

In recent weeks, food safety inspections have uncovered alleged violations at outlets and storage facilities across the state.

Some Domino's and Pizza Hut outlets were temporarily shut after inspections reportedly found issues including cockroaches and expired products. Several established food businesses in Mumbai also faced temporary licence suspensions.

Inspections of dark stores linked to quick-commerce companies such as Blinkit and Zepto also reportedly uncovered alleged food safety concerns, including pests and expired products.

The crackdown has made Mundhe one of the more talked-about officials on social media, with his strict approach earning both attention and praise.

Maharashtra FDA tightens checks on edible oil

Mundhe has also recently warned about the risks associated with unsafe edible oil and repeated frying.

The Maharashtra FDA has outlined strict penalties and legal action for violations of food safety rules, particularly those involving edible oil.

Mundhe told reporters that serious violations could attract jail terms ranging from seven years to life imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh, depending on the offence and applicable law.

"This is not just related to adulteration. It has serious and direct effects. It can lead to cardiac diseases and affect children's brain development," Mundhe said.

Mundhe warns against repeatedly frying the same oil

The FDA chief also highlighted concerns over the repeated use of cooking oil.

"Repeated frying of the same oil can lead to many health problems, even cancer. That's why this is very alarming," he said.

The comments came after the FDA advised consumers to be cautious when purchasing loose or unsealed edible oil.

For packaged products, Mundhe urged consumers to check basic details such as the batch number, manufacturing date and expiry date before buying them.


Inputs from agencies