MUMBAI — Tukaram Mundhe isn’t chasing fame. As Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner, he’s chasing something far more critical: public health. Since taking charge in May 2026, Mundhe has launched an aggressive crackdown on food and drug safety violations, shuttering thousands of non-compliant establishments across the state. But ask him about his newfound celebrity status, and he brushes it off with quiet intensity.

Key facts

  • 12,083 entities shut, suspended, or facing criminal cases since May 2026
  • 5,269 improvement notices and 603 suspension orders issued
  • 740 pharmacy licenses cancelled or suspended
  • 199 restaurant licenses suspended after 1,803 inspections

A Mission Rooted in Public Welfare

For Mundhe, a senior IAS officer with 21 years of service, this isn’t about making headlines. It’s about making a difference. “What matters to me are issues like public health,” he told PTI in a recent interview. “This is not about Tukaram Mundhe. This is about India and the goal to improve public health.” His actions speak volumes—inspections, suspensions, and a relentless focus on hygiene, raw material quality, and trained manpower in food businesses.

“We cannot become a superpower if our human resources are not healthy,” Mundhe said.

Facing Challenges Head-On

Mundhe’s tenure hasn’t been without friction. The Bombay High Court criticized the FDA’s handling of drug manufacturer Cipla, though Mundhe defended the move as a minor procedural misstep, not a mistake. He’s also taken on online food delivery giants like Swiggy and Zomato, insisting they are “food business operators” under the law and must comply. Even Bollywood actors haven’t escaped scrutiny—notices were sent to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff over a suspected surrogate advertisement for banned paan products.

Looking Ahead

Resource constraints loom. While Mundhe believes current labs are sufficient, he acknowledges the need for enhanced capacity—four new labs are under construction. Staffing, particularly for drug inspectors, remains a hurdle after a recruitment exam was cancelled due to a paper leak. Yet, Mundhe remains undeterred. “Citizens at large need to make public health the most important issue,” he urged. For him, every inspection, every suspension, is a step toward a healthier India—one where public welfare isn’t just a policy, but a passion.