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Maharashtra FDA bans loose spice powder sales, mandates sealed, labelled packs and FSSAI licences

Our read

Maharashtra FDA will more likely than not back the loose-spice ban with inspections and a few exemplary seizures, pushing small sellers to sealed packs or licences.

For operators

Maharashtra retailers, wholesalers and e-commerce operators must stop selling loose spice powders and mixed spices immediately and move to sealed, labelled packs under a valid FSSAI licence, or risk seizure, licence cancellation and prosecution.

Watch

First FDA seizures or cancellations reported before a month passes from the 15 October order would mean enforcement is live and loose-spice sellers must license or exit.

Ask next

Which other rule changes affect Indian retailers this month?

The report,

Maharashtra FDA, in an order dated October 15, banned the sale of loose, unpackaged spice powders and mixed spices across the state. It mandates sealed packaging, labelling and FSSAI licences, covering retailers, wholesalers and e-commerce operators, and warns of seizures, licence cancellation and prosecution.

Unlicensed: up to Rs 5 lakh, six months. Unsafe food causing death: from Rs 10 lakh, seven years
Max fine, operating without valid licence (Sec 63)
Rs 5 lakh
Max jail, operating without valid licence
six months
Min fine, unsafe food causing death (Sec 59)
Rs 10 lakh
Min jail, unsafe food causing death
seven years
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Newer report adds to this story , : Loose spices are 10% to 15% of MMR retail sales; small sellers face livelihood worries.

07:30 IST · 10 moves · what each means · free

Reported figures

From the report. Source details below

Maximum fine for operating without valid licence (Section 63): Rs 5 lakh
Maximum imprisonment for operating without valid licence: six months
Minimum fine for unsafe food causing death (Section 59): Rs 10 lakh
FDA toll-free helpline: 1800 222 365

What to track next

  • Trade-body petitions or court challenges to the order
  • FDA clarification, extension or exemption notice
  • Spike in FSSAI licence applications from Maharashtra sellers
  • Similar loose-spice orders from other state food regulators

The source

Source Read the source at NDTV Profit Published

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