Innovation and Enforcement in Food and Drug Safety

The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra has been steadily reinforcing its role as the state’s primary regulator for food products, medicines, medical devices, and cosmetics.

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Its mandate extends beyond licensing and approvals to include strict enforcement, surveillance, and consumer education. The FDA's primary responsibilities revolve around safeguarding public health through licensing of food businesses and pharmaceutical firms, laboratory testing, inspections, and market monitoring. Its enforcement arm investigates violations, curbs adulteration, and penalises offenders, ensuring that both consumers and businesses comply with the highest standards of safety and quality.

Central to the FDA's work is the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The department also enforces the Drug (Price Control) Order, 2013, to monitor affordability, and the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, to curb misleading claims. These legislations form the backbone of Maharashtra’s regulatory framework.