Food safety regulators have stepped up enforcement against non-compliant food businesses, with the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) targeting unlicensed milk dairies while the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to several food brands over allegedly misleading product labels and claims.

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has urged unlicensed milk dairies to register their businesses instead of destroying milk stock out of fear of regulatory action. He clarified that the FDA's objective is to ensure food safety and compliance with regulations, not to shut down businesses unnecessarily. Mundhe advised dairy operators to obtain the required licences and follow legal procedures, assuring them that registration is the appropriate way to continue operations without fear.

The appeal comes amid the Maharashtra FDA's intensified crackdown on milk adulteration and unlicensed dairy operations across the state. Authorities have increased inspections following instances of adulterated milk and violations of food safety norms, while enforcing stricter quality standards for milk production, storage and distribution. Mundhe reiterated that businesses willing to comply with the rules have nothing to fear and should complete the registration process instead of discarding stock and incurring avoidable losses.

Separately, FSSAI has intensified its action against misleading food labels by issuing notices to several food business operators (FBOs) over product names, claims and packaging that could deceive consumers. The regulator has directed companies to explain the alleged violations and take corrective measures in accordance with food safety regulations.

Among the products flagged were fruit-flavoured candies marketed as containing fruit despite having no fruit ingredients, chocolate-labelled products with no cocoa content, and choco pie variants carrying "100% Vegetarian" claims that the regulator found misleading. FSSAI also questioned nutritional labelling on certain biscuit sticks and flagged packaging that allegedly failed to comply with mandatory disclosure norms.

The food regulator said such branding and claims could create a false impression about a product's composition, quality or nutritional value. Companies have been asked to explain why action should not be initiated against them under theFood Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and to ensure that product labels accurately reflect their ingredients and characteristics.

The twin actions underscore regulators' efforts to strengthen food safety standards, curb adulteration and ensure consumers receive accurate information about the products they purchase.