News for 'food safety officers'

Maha FDA unveils permanent food safety calendar for festivals

Maha FDA unveils permanent food safety calendar for festivals

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced a permanent, year-round food safety calendar to ensure public health during major festivals. This first-of-its-kind initiative categorises festivals into three levels and implements a four-stage inspection mechanism, focusing on preventing adulteration and unsafe food practices for high-demand products like sweets, dairy, and edible oils.

Karnataka halts Amazon, Swiggy, Bigbasket food licences over 'dhatura' sales

Karnataka halts Amazon, Swiggy, Bigbasket food licences over 'dhatura' sales

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Karnataka government has suspended the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and Bigbasket due to the online sale of toxic Dhatura fruits/seeds. Citing public health and food safety concerns, authorities have also ordered the suspension of licences for suppliers to these platforms and mandated the removal of all Dhatura-related listings.

Jharkhand HC stays cancellations of recruitment through 11th to 13th JPSC exams

Jharkhand HC stays cancellations of recruitment through 11th to 13th JPSC exams

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand High Court has stayed the state government's notifications cancelling appointments made through the 11th to 13th JPSC examinations and for food safety officers, providing relief to approximately 450 candidates.

Bengaluru 'Peptide Party' cancelled after food regulator notice

Bengaluru 'Peptide Party' cancelled after food regulator notice

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Peptide parties are informal, invite-only social gatherings where biohackers, wellness enthusiasts, and fitness influencers meet to discuss, sample, or promote peptide-based products.

Is Your Office Making You Sick?

Is Your Office Making You Sick?

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

From the air we breathe to the surfaces we touch, our everyday workplace can quietly influence both our physical and mental wellbeing, warns Dr Vikram Vora.

Tukaram Mundhe: 'My Vested Interest Is...'

Tukaram Mundhe: 'My Vested Interest Is...'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

'I have a vested interest -- to serve the people of Maharashtra and ensure safe food. That is my vested interest, if at all there is one.'

Jharkhand exam protests mount as CID probe intensifies

Jharkhand exam protests mount as CID probe intensifies

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Successful candidates of recruitment examinations cancelled by the Jharkhand government staged a demonstration outside the state secretariat, demanding justice and the withdrawal of the cancellation decision, while the high court has stayed some of the government's notifications.

Rats, flies found: FDA shuts Mumbai's iconic K Rustom ice cream parlour

Rats, flies found: FDA shuts Mumbai's iconic K Rustom ice cream parlour

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has suspended the licence of Mumbai's renowned K Rustom ice cream parlour due to severe hygiene and food safety violations. An inspection revealed live rats and flies, expired flavouring agents, and ice cream with insufficient milk fat, leading to the parlour's closure under the 'Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra' campaign.

HC orders Maha FDA to pay Rs 5 lakh to Pune sweet shop over licence suspension

HC orders Maha FDA to pay Rs 5 lakh to Pune sweet shop over licence suspension

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has ordered the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to pay Rs 5 lakh in compensation to a Pune-based sweets shop. The court criticised the FDA for keeping the shop's license suspended despite a 98 per cent compliance report, calling its policy "strange and perverse."

Bengaluru healthcare firm owner held in interstate fake drug racket

Bengaluru healthcare firm owner held in interstate fake drug racket

Rediff.com5 days ago

Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader announced the busting of a major interstate counterfeit drug racket, leading to an arrest and an ongoing investigation into the suspected supply of fake medicines to hospitals. The racket involved procuring cheap drugs, refilling them, and relabelling them as premium brands, with seizures worth Rs 5 crore. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the widespread network.

Maharashtra Government Vows Action After Gutkha Mafia Attack

Maharashtra Government Vows Action After Gutkha Mafia Attack

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A woman Food Safety Officer was targeted by suspected gutkha mafia operatives during a raid in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. The incident, where a vehicle attempted to run her over, has led the state government to order strict action against those responsible. FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal condemned the attack and assured full support to the officer, vowing no leniency for assailants of government officials.

Liquor ban row: TN orders strict quality checks at distilleries

Liquor ban row: TN orders strict quality checks at distilleries

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has mandated stringent quality testing across all distilleries in the state to ensure alcohol content compliance. This decision follows public concern over the temporary ban and swift clearance of products from a private manufacturer, Enrica Enterprises, by the state's liquor monopoly, TASMAC. The move aims to address suspicions and ensure public safety regarding alcoholic beverages.

FDA suspends licences of 3 ISKCON restaurants in Mumbai

FDA suspends licences of 3 ISKCON restaurants in Mumbai

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of several establishments across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, including an IRCTC-linked supplier and three ISKCON outlets in Juhu, due to severe hygiene and safety violations. This action is part of a state-wide crackdown initiated by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, targeting issues like pest infestation, improper food handling, inadequate sanitation, and misleading product claims.

Maha FDA suspends licences of Domino's outlets over hygiene

Maha FDA suspends licences of Domino's outlets over hygiene

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licences of four Domino's Pizza outlets, including three in Mumbai, and several other chain restaurants like KFC and Pizza Hut, citing alleged violations of food safety and hygiene norms during a special drive.

Maha FDA notice to SRK, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over pan masala ad

Maha FDA notice to SRK, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over pan masala ad

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has issued a show-cause notice to actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over their advertisement for Vimal Elaichi, claiming it prima facie amounts to "indirect or surrogate" promotion of prohibited pan masala and tobacco-related products.

Chirag Paswan gets threat from 'hardcore terrorists', office seeks MHA probe

Chirag Paswan gets threat from 'hardcore terrorists', office seeks MHA probe

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Union Minister Chirag Paswan, a Z-category protectee, has received threat messages from "hardcore terrorists" according to his office. His office has formally requested the Home Ministry to conduct a thorough investigation into the communication and to significantly enhance his security arrangements due to the grave nature of the threat and his public engagements.

Mundhe urges people not to buy loose edible oil

Mundhe urges people not to buy loose edible oil

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has urged consumers to avoid buying loose or unsealed edible oil due to safety concerns, announcing a compliance order for the entire edible oil sector after detecting widespread violations, including adulteration and improper packaging.

Clashes in Jharkhand as HC stays cancellation of more job exams

Clashes in Jharkhand as HC stays cancellation of more job exams

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Clashes erupted between police and students in Jharkhand protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment exams, even as the high court provided interim relief by staying notifications cancelling appointments for Child Development Project Officers and those recruited through JSSC-CGL tests.

The Secret Tukaram Mundhe Won't Reveal

The Secret Tukaram Mundhe Won't Reveal

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Whether it's a five-star banquet hall, a school lunch supplier, a blood bank, or a Bollywood actors' surrogate advertisements, Tukaram Mundhe seems to have an opinion, a bye-law, and very possibly an inspection team on standby.

Thane FDA Seizes Adulterated Food Items Worth Rs 12 Lakh

Thane FDA Seizes Adulterated Food Items Worth Rs 12 Lakh

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized suspicious food items worth almost Rs 12 lakh in Thane district, leading to the arrest of six persons.

Tirupati laddu row: Food safety regulator notice to ghee supplier

Tirupati laddu row: Food safety regulator notice to ghee supplier

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

The controversy has sparked reactions across states. The famous Mankameshwar temple in Uttar Pradesh has now banned offerings of 'prasad' bought by devotees from outside and said they can offer homemade 'prasad' or fruits.

Maha govt canteens, official events get a healthy menu makeover

Maha govt canteens, official events get a healthy menu makeover

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The Maharashtra Public Health Department has issued a directive making healthy foods and beverages mandatory in all government canteens and official events. The order aims to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods and combat the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases by promoting a menu designed with ICMR-NIN and FSSAI guidelines.

HC slams FDA for 'going overboard', fines Rs 5 lakh

HC slams FDA for 'going overboard', fines Rs 5 lakh

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court has ordered the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to a Pune-based sweets shop. The court criticised the FDA for suspending the shop's license despite a 98 per cent compliance report, calling its policy "strange and perverse" and stating the regulator was "going overboard."

Police Officer, Clerk Arrested In Chhattisgarh Bribery Cases

Police Officer, Clerk Arrested In Chhattisgarh Bribery Cases

Rediff.com10 May 2026

An assistant sub inspector of police and a government clerk were arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Chhattisgarh in separate incidents of alleged bribery.

Jharkhand protests: 3 FIRs filed against 39 named, 900 unnamed people

Jharkhand protests: 3 FIRs filed against 39 named, 900 unnamed people

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Three FIRs have been lodged against 39 named and more than 900 unnamed people in connection with clashes that broke out between the police and protesting job aspirants in Jharkhand's Giridih and Hazaribag, officials said on Sunday.

NADA's Tip-Off Leads To Major Doping Bust In Najafgarh

NADA's Tip-Off Leads To Major Doping Bust In Najafgarh

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) achieved a significant success with a tip-off leading to the confiscation of prohibited substances, including anabolic steroids, in Najafgarh, following a joint operation with local police and food safety officials.

Jharkhand govt's move to cancel 44 recruitment exams sparks fresh protests

Jharkhand govt's move to cancel 44 recruitment exams sparks fresh protests

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government has cancelled 44 recruitment examinations conducted by the state Public Service Commission (JPSC) and an outsourced agency since 2014, including the JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination, following a 25-day student agitation over alleged irregularities. This decision has led to protests from around 2,000 candidates who had already been appointed to various state government departments after clearing the JSSC-CGL exam.

Adulterated Spice Manufacturing Unit Busted In Delhi

Adulterated Spice Manufacturing Unit Busted In Delhi

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Delhi Police busted an adulterated spice manufacturing unit in Old Delhi's Khari Baoli, arresting a man and seizing around 801.88 kg of spurious ground spices and raw material.

FDA withdraws action on Pune Cipla unit, MCA eateries after HC rebuke

FDA withdraws action on Pune Cipla unit, MCA eateries after HC rebuke

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

The Bombay High Court severely criticised the Maharashtra FDA for its "undue haste" and "high-handed" actions, forcing the regulator to withdraw orders against Cipla Pharma and five restaurants at the Mumbai Cricket Association premises. The court admonished the FDA for violating principles of natural justice and taking a "pedantic instead of pragmatic view," even threatening contempt action against officials.

'Removal of critical wall led to Delhi PG building collapse'

'Removal of critical wall led to Delhi PG building collapse'

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Police investigations into the collapse of a five-storey PG building in Delhi's Satya Niketan reveal that three truckloads of debris were used to level the basement, and a crucial wall was removed on the ground floor shortly before the incident. Seven people died and five were injured. The building owner, labour contractor, and a PG operator have been arrested, while another operator is absconding. Concerns about building safety and unauthorised construction in the area have been raised.

UP food safety dept finds more noodle brands 'sub-standard'

UP food safety dept finds more noodle brands 'sub-standard'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2016

Maggi made a comeback in November after passing tests at three government labs.

Suspected Food Poisoning Hospitalises Dozens of Girls in Ahmedabad Hostel

Suspected Food Poisoning Hospitalises Dozens of Girls in Ahmedabad Hostel

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Dozens of girls from a hostel in Ahmedabad were hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning. An investigation is underway to determine the cause.

Delhi sets up 24x7 command centre for BRICS summit

Delhi sets up 24x7 command centre for BRICS summit

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is establishing a 24x7 command centre and implementing extensive civic preparations to ensure the smooth hosting of the 18th BRICS Summit. These measures include enhanced sanitation, beautification, traffic management, and coordination among various agencies to present a welcoming city for world leaders.

Delhi Police Bust Expired Food Racket, Arrest Shop Owner

Delhi Police Bust Expired Food Racket, Arrest Shop Owner

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Delhi Police have arrested a shop owner near the Kapashera border for selling expired food and cosmetic products. A large quantity of expired goods, including groceries and dairy products, were seized.

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

84 Indians rescued in Nepal floods, search ops continue: MEA

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The devastating flash floods wreaked havoc across Nepal, with the ministry of external affairs on Thursday stating that 84 Indian nationals have been rescued while 290 remain uncontactable as the Himalayan nation stepped up search, rescue and relief operations following the disaster that has claimed more than 390 lives.

DUSU polls: 40.46% turnout recorded; ABVP, NSUI battle for key posts

DUSU polls: 40.46% turnout recorded; ABVP, NSUI battle for key posts

Rediff.com2 days ago

The first phase of the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) polls recorded a 36% voter turnout, with a keen contest between ABVP, NSUI, and the AISA-SFI alliance. Student concerns like accountability, affordable accommodation, and accessible administration were prominent, influenced by past protests. The election also saw allegations between student groups and extensive security arrangements.

AI surveillance, CCTV coverage: Kanwar Yatra goes hi-tech

AI surveillance, CCTV coverage: Kanwar Yatra goes hi-tech

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Uttar Pradesh authorities have implemented extensive security and logistical measures for the annual Kanwar Yatra, which began on Thursday and concludes on August 11. These include AI-enabled surveillance, additional security personnel, medical camps, dedicated control rooms, and traffic diversions, all aimed at ensuring a "zero incidents and zero accidents" pilgrimage for lakhs of devotees.

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Maharashtra: Ayurvedic drug makers under FDA radar

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cancelled the licences of 10 Ayurvedic drug manufacturing units and issued show-cause notices to 135 others following inspections that revealed serious violations including unhygienic conditions, lack of technical staff, and inadequate testing protocols.

'Your anger is their satisfaction': Delhi cops told to stay calm at protests

'Your anger is their satisfaction': Delhi cops told to stay calm at protests

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Fresh guidelines issued to the Delhi police by a central agency advise personnel to remain calm during protests, avoid rising to provocation and being pictured as "villains" by the demonstrators filming them, police sources said on Sunday.

Teacher's alarm saves 400 students as floods hit Nepal school

Teacher's alarm saves 400 students as floods hit Nepal school

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

A devastating flood in Baireni, Nepal, transformed a school playground into a sea of sand and buried classrooms under sludge. Timely warnings from teachers, prompted by an upstream guardian, allowed 400 students to evacuate safely just before the flood hit. The school remains closed, covered in debris, while UNICEF estimates 17,000 children need humanitarian aid following the floods that killed over 900 people.