Pune records the highest unhygienic food complaints across Maharashtra after AI enabled portal lauched by Tukaram Mundhe
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Pune district has become the top source of complaints regarding unhygienic food in Maharashtra since the state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rolled out its online grievance portal, said FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe on Saturday. The portal, complaints.mahafda.in, saw a massive response, logging nearly 10 lakh hits within just 24 hours of going live.
_202607211421379405_H@@IGHT_400_W@@IDTH_700.jpg "Tukaram Mundhe")
Mundhe added that the department is looking into adopting blockchain technology to keep records of food business operators who have faced enforcement action. He said the combination of the complaint portal and continued inspections is aimed at making food safety regulation across Maharashtra more transparent, efficient and accountable.
Speaking to reporters in Pune, Mundhe noted that Pune district accounted for the highest volume of complaints received through the portal, with the majority relating to poor hygiene standards at food establishments. He explained that the platform was launched to boost transparency and accountability in food safety enforcement while giving citizens a direct channel to report violations.
Mundhe was in the city to attend a food safety conference hosted by the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture. Describing the grievance redressal process, he said every complaint filed on the portal would be acknowledged by the FDA's regional joint commissioner within 24 hours and handed over to a designated officer for action.
Should no action be taken within the stipulated time frame, the complaint will be automatically escalated to a senior official. The FDA chief also called on hotels, restaurants and other food outlets to put in place strong food safety management systems and adhere to all 22 core regulations laid down by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Pune has recorded the highest number of complaints about unhygienic food in Maharashtra since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched its complaint-reporting portal. According to FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the portal has received the maximum number of complaints… pic.twitter.com/ngqLql92J5
— Pune Mirror (@ThePuneMirror) July 20, 2026
Since taking charge as FDA Commissioner in May, Mundhe has driven a stepped-up inspection drive covering hotels, restaurants and roadside eateries throughout Maharashtra. In recent weeks, the FDA revoked the food business licence of Mumbai's Parsi Dairy Farm after uncovering major hygiene and food safety lapses. On Saturday, authorities also announced the suspension of the operating licence for the canteen at Mumbai's KEM Hospital, ordering it to shut down over comparable violations.
Mundhe added that the department is looking into adopting blockchain technology to keep records of food business operators who have faced enforcement action. He said the combination of the complaint portal and continued inspections is aimed at making food safety regulation across Maharashtra more transparent, efficient and accountable.