Mumbai’s Food-Safety Crusade: Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe’s Viral Raids

Since taking charge as Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration commissioner in May, Tukaram Mundhe has led a sweeping enforcement drive in Mumbai. His team has suspended the permits of four Domino’s and one Pizza Hut outlet, and on August 21 halted a McDonald’s outlet after discovering live cockroaches and rotting food. The raids, often broadcast with graphic photos, target everything from street-food stalls to historic clubs.

The Straits Times

Mundhe’s officials have conducted over 3,000 inspections since May, cancelling nearly 8,000 food-business licences in the past three years. Government data shows that each year since 2020, inspectors tested more than 100,000 food samples, finding roughly 20 percent unsafe or improperly labelled. Vendors report changing practices—using natural chilli instead of artificial dye, switching frying oil multiple times daily, and replacing newspaper wrappers with butter paper for vada pav.

The Straits Times

He says his department respects court observations and will adjust when improvements are possible. The commissioner also highlights that the rapid inspections of court canteens were a direct response to a judge’s query about selective enforcement.

South China Morning Post

• “Those who try to not comply, they will face what is expected from the regulator,” — Tukaram Mundhe, mumbai judge

The Straits Times

• “Everyone has tried to normalise this for years by saying it happens in India. It’s basically bottled-up anger,” — Ankur Bisen

The Straits Times

• “It was surprising. I did not expect these many violations,” — Tukaram Mundhe, mumbai judge

The Straits Times

• “If there are observations by the court, we take it seriously ... if there is scope for improvement, we improve,” — Tukaram Mundhe, mumbai judge

The Straits Times