Maharashtra FDA Suspends Parle Agro Warehouse Licence After Seizing Expired Beverages

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration suspended the operational license of a warehouse linked to Parle Agro located in Mumbai's Chembur area after discovering expired beverage stocks. A specialized enforcement squad consisting of eight regulatory inspectors conducted an overnight search at the Velocity Express facility in Prayag Nagar, spanning eleven hours from early evening until dawn. During the operation, inspectors confiscated expired inventory comprising popular commercial brands including Frooti, Appy Fizz, and Candy Juice with a total estimated market value of 99,970.

Following the search, regulatory authorities issued orders to seal the entire storage facility, prohibiting any commercial distribution, transportation, or movement of stored goods. Two transport vehicles parked at the premises, which were allegedly being prepared to transport beverage crates to retail vendors, were also impounded by the inspection team. Food safety officials emphasized that keeping expired consumable items within active distribution hubs creates severe risks of contaminated products entering local supply chains and reaching retail consumers.

The enforcement action forms part of an aggressive, state-wide food safety drive led by Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. The broader campaign has targeted dark stores operated by quick-commerce platforms, prominent fast-food chains, and commercial kitchens across major cities. Recent inspections revealed widespread sanitary violations at multiple storage facilities, including pest infestations, unhygienic storage conditions, and outdated food products, leading to dozens of administrative notices and temporary license suspensions.

Regulatory representatives clarified that administrative proceedings against the warehouse management will continue under statutory provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act. While officials confirmed that no immediate reports indicated the expired batch reached retail customers, the suspended license will remain enforced until full compliance reviews and legal assessments are finalized by the regulatory department.