Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has put misleading food advertising, celebrity endorsements and consumer awareness under the regulatory spotlight, saying that people promoting misleading product claims can also be held accountable under existing food safety laws.
Speaking in a recent podcast conversation with content creator Food Pharmer, Mundhe said responsibility for misleading communication does not end with manufacturers. Actors, celebrities or others promoting products through misleading claims can also face action if the advertising violates the law.
The conversation comes as the Maharashtra FDA steps up scrutiny across food safety, adulteration, restaurant hygiene and product labelling. Mundhe’s broader argument was that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem unless consumers also become more conscious about what they buy and consume.
Celebrity Endorsements, Misleading Ads & The Need To Read Labels
During the conversation, Food Pharmer raised concerns about celebrity advertising and its influence on consumer choices, particularly around products such as pan masala and foods promoted using health claims.
Mundhe said misleading advertising is illegal and accountability may extend beyond manufacturers to those endorsing or communicating such claims. He added that regulatory action can be taken against those involved in misleading consumers.
The discussion also highlighted how advertising shapes everyday food choices. Food Pharmer cited an example of a mother replacing rotis with packaged atta noodles after seeing an advertisement claiming the product offered fibre equivalent to three rotis.
Mundhe stressed that consumers should look beyond advertisements and examine ingredients, labels and product composition. The conversation also covered energy drinks and food products marketed to children despite carrying statutory warnings.
Food Adulteration & Restaurant Hygiene Under FDA Scanner
The conversation then moved to food adulteration, particularly milk, with Mundhe highlighting the need for stronger traceability systems to track products across the supply chain.
He argued that deliberate adulteration carried out for financial gain should be treated seriously when it puts public health at risk. Maharashtra FDA’s recent enforcement actions have included inspections and action against establishments over adulteration and hygiene violations.
The state has also prohibited the production, storage, transportation, processing and sale of certain analogue and non dairy products. The action follows concerns around products such as analogue paneer and the use of substitutes including vegetable oils in place of conventional dairy ingredients.
Restaurant hygiene was another focus.
Mundhe maintained that the popularity or reputation of an establishment cannot override basic food safety standards when inspections identify serious hygiene or food handling violations.
Throughout the conversation, Mundhe stressed that enforcement needs to be accompanied by consumer awareness. He encouraged people to become their own Chief Health Officer by reading labels, understanding warnings and making informed decisions about the food they consume.
FAQs
- Who is Tukaram Mundhe?
Tukaram Mundhe is the Commissioner of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration, which oversees food and drug safety regulations in the state.
- What did Tukaram Mundhe say about misleading advertisements?
Mundhe said misleading advertisements are illegal and action can be taken against those responsible for making or promoting misleading claims.
- Can celebrities be held responsible for misleading advertisements?
Yes. According to Mundhe, accountability may extend to celebrities and other endorsers if they promote misleading claims that violate applicable laws.
- What did Food Pharmer and Tukaram Mundhe discuss?
They discussed misleading ads, celebrity endorsements, food adulteration, food labels, restaurant hygiene, energy drinks and consumer awareness.
