Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to protect IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe, who is serving as Commissioner of the state’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Rawal made the appeal on Sunday through a post on X, formerly Twitter, asking the Chief Minister to ensure that Mundhe is neither transferred nor removed from his current department.
“To put it with humility and respect that it should be the priority and Dharm of Honourable CM @Dev_Fadnavis ji to protect Shri @Tukaram_IndIAS that he should not be xfered or shunted out of his department,” Rawal wrote.
Mundhe has emerged as the prominent face of Maharashtra’s intensified crackdown on food safety since taking charge as FDA Commissioner in May 2026. Under his leadership, the department has stepped up inspections against food adulteration, unhygienic establishments, illegal products and violations across the supply chain.
The campaign has placed particular emphasis on tackling milk adulteration, with authorities uncovering units allegedly involved in manufacturing synthetic milk and increasing scrutiny of dairies, distributors and retailers.
The FDA has also initiated action against food establishments and manufacturers accused of violating safety standards. Maharashtra recently banned the manufacture and sale of artificial cheese, with strict action announced against products allegedly being sold as dairy paneer.
During a statewide crackdown in early June, Mundhe oversaw 195 raids in five days. According to the Maharashtra FDA, the operation resulted in 192 arrests and the seizure of banned gutkha and pan masala valued at around Rs 1.99 crore.
More recently, Mundhe ordered a statewide crackdown on junk food in and around schools. A July 29 directive prohibits the sale, advertisement and free distribution of foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) on school premises and within a 50-metre radius.
The restrictions cover products such as chips, soft drinks, chocolates, fried snacks and other ultra-processed foods. The order applies to government, aided and private schools across Maharashtra.
The directive also requires school canteens, kitchens and food suppliers to hold valid food-safety licences, while schools have been encouraged to promote healthier options, including fruits, pulses, milk, vegetables and whole grains.