‘I have not been transferred’: Tukaram Mundhe dismisses speculation over Maharashtra FDA post

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Monday dismissed speculation about his transfer, asserting that he continues to head the department and its crackdown on unsafe food and substandard drugs remains underway.

"No, I have not been transferred from FDA," Mundhe said in a post on X on Monday night.

"I continue to serve as Commissioner, FDA Maharashtra. Our fight against unsafe, substandard, adulterated food and spurious, substandard drugs goes on," he added.

The clarification came amid speculation about the senior IAS officer's possible removal, which surfaced after the state government on Sunday named him as the secretary of a five-member committee constituted to investigate alleged paper leaks and irregularities in examinations conducted by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC).

Mundhe has faced frequent transfers during his administrative career. His tenure at the FDA has also drawn considerable public attention amid intensified enforcement against food safety violations.

The FDA has stepped up inspections, raids and enforcement measures 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 regulations.

While consumers have appreciated the department's focus on accountability and food safety, sections of the restaurant and food business industry have opposed action against their establishments. Certain enforcement measures have also been challenged in courts, bringing aspects of the FDA's regulatory action under legal scrutiny.

Mundhe's appointment to the committee investigating alleged paper leaks in MPSC examinations came amid protests over the functioning of the recruitment body.

Announcing the panel last week, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said it would examine the tenure of current and former chairpersons and members of the state recruitment body.