Pune FDA Seizes Suspected Counterfeit Amul Cheese, Banned Scented Tobacco Worth Over Rs 30 Lakh

Pune, 1st October 2026: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Pune, has seized suspected counterfeit Amul cheese and prohibited scented tobacco worth over ₹30 lakh during raids at a residential premises in Pune district. A packaging machine valued at approximately ₹1 lakh was also seized.

The action was carried out on September 30 as part of the “Safe Food, Safe Drug, Safe Maharashtra” campaign, according to a press note issued by D. V. Bhogawade, Joint Commissioner (Food), Pune Division.

“Strict action by the Food and Drug Administration will continue,” Bhogawade stated in the press note.

430 kg of cheese seized
Food Safety Officers Namrata Mohite and Pooja Bagade, working under the guidance of Assistant Commissioner (Food) Narayan Sarkate, raided the residence of Yasin Khan, alias Sajid Khan.

According to the FDA, expiry dates on cheese products had allegedly been erased and replaced with new dates. The products were being offered for sale using counterfeit Amul labels.

Officials collected samples for laboratory analysis and seized 430 kg of cheese valued at ₹2,57,164.

Tobacco allegedly mixed and packed at home
In a joint operation with the Pune Police Crime Branch, FDA officials also seized prohibited scented tobacco from the premises.

The FDA alleged that Khan was mixing ordinary tobacco with rose water, menthol and glycerol, before using a packaging machine to pack it for sale.

The operation resulted in the seizure of scented tobacco valued at ₹28,32,164, along with the packaging machine.

The premises were sealed to prevent the activity from resuming. According to the press note, an FIR has been registered under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

FDA urges consumers to report complaints
“Consumers should register complaints about food quality or hygiene on the administration’s toll-free number, 1800222365,” Bhogawade stated in the press note.

The enforcement drive is being conducted under the guidance of Maharashtra Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.