Tukaram Mundhe said he has not been transferred from the Maharashtra FDA despite speculation. His clarification signals that the department's crackdown on unsafe food and substandard drugs will continue.
Tukaram Mundhe named secretary of panel to revamp Maharashtra civil services amid stir by job aspirants (Photo: File)
Mumbai,Oct 13, 2026 12:44 IST
Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has said he has not been transferred, rejecting speculation about his removal and saying the crackdown on unsafe food and substandard drugs will continue. The clarification came after reports linked to his new role as secretary of a committee set up to investigate alleged paper leaks and irregularities in Maharashtra Public Service Commission examinations.
In a post on X on Monday night, Mundhe said, "No, I have not been transferred from FDA." He added, "I continue to serve as Commissioner, FDA Maharashtra. Our fight against unsafe, substandard, adulterated food and spurious, substandard drugs goes on."
The speculation emerged after the state government on Sunday named the senior IAS officer as the secretary of a five-member panel looking into the alleged irregularities in MPSC examinations. Mundhe, who has faced frequent transfers during his administrative career, was brought into the discussion after the announcement of the panel.
Mundhe's tenure at the FDA has drawn public attention because of the department's intensified action on food safety violations. The FDA has stepped up inspections, raids and enforcement against eateries and food businesses over alleged violations, including the sale or use of unsafe and adulterated products. The department has also acted against establishments over licensing and compliance issues as part of its drive to enforce food safety rules.
Consumers have welcomed the focus on accountability and food safety, while sections of the restaurant and food business industry have opposed the action taken against their establishments. Some of the enforcement measures have also been challenged in courts, bringing parts of the FDA's action under legal scrutiny. The developments have kept Mundhe's tenure in focus as the department's drive has drawn attention to food safety compliance and the functioning of eateries.
Mundhe's appointment to the committee probing the alleged MPSC paper leaks came after protests over the functioning of the recruitment body. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said last week that the panel would examine the tenure of current and former chairpersons and members of the state recruitment body.
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With PTI inputs