Acting on the directions of newly appointed Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the Maharashtra FDA conducted a statewide enforcement drive on May 29, targeting Patanjali Ayurvedic stores and other establishments allegedly violating the provisions of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
The coordinated raids, carried out across multiple districts, resulted in the seizure of objectionable and misbranded medicine stock worth Rs 73.24 lakh. The action was part of a statewide crackdown on misleading advertisements and unlawful therapeutic claims made by manufacturers and sellers of Ayurvedic products.
According to the FDA, several Ayurvedic medicines available in the market were being promoted through advertisements claiming guaranteed cures for serious diseases, miraculous results, and other prohibited benefits, in violation of existing laws.
Taking cognisance of these violations, drug inspectors conducted inspections and enforcement actions across Mumbai, Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Amravati, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisions. Officials scrutinised products carrying objectionable claims related to the treatment and prevention of various ailments.
The FDA said legal proceedings have been initiated against the establishments found violating provisions of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, as well as other applicable laws governing the manufacture, sale and promotion of medicines.
The agency has also warned that stringent legal and judicial action will be taken against individuals and entities found violating the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and related regulations.
Mundhe appealed to citizens to actively assist the administration in curbing the sale of illegal and adulterated medicines and reporting misleading advertisements. The FDA advised the public not to rely on deceptive health claims or consume medicines without medical consultation, warning that self-medication can lead to serious health complications.
Citizens suspecting poor-quality medicines, illegal stockpiling, or other violations have been urged to immediately lodge complaints with the FDA, providing details of the product and the establishment concerned.
The administration has assured that all complaints will be verified confidentially and acted upon promptly.
