Manpower & lab shortage at FDA dept biting food safety

Dept faces challenges in effectively carrying out raids and action; festive season makes issue more worrying

- Kalpesh Mhamunkar

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) department is facing challenges in effectively carrying out raids and action due to a shortage of staff and laboratories, FDA minister Narhari Zirwal informed on Wednesday.

He said that despite the department's crucial role in ensuring food and drugs safety, the lack of sufficient officers has limited its operations.

Zirwal said that the issue has been discussed with deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, who has sanctioned Rs200 crore for laboratory strengthening and assured to give more funds.