FoodSafety – Pune FDA Seizes Food Stock Worth Over Rs 8 Lakh During Market Yard Inspection
FoodSafety – Officials from the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carried out a major inspection at a wholesale food establishment in Pune’s Market Yard on July 14, leading to the seizure of 4,172 kilograms of food products valued at Rs 8,14,630. Authorities said the action was initiated after identifying alleged violations related to licensing, product labeling, and concerns regarding the quality and safety of the stored food items.
FDA Conducts Inspection at Market Yard Premises
The inspection was conducted at M/s BG Goyal & Company, a business operated by Pravin Goyal. During the operation, FDA officials collected four samples for laboratory examination after suspecting that certain products might not meet prescribed food safety standards. The samples included turmeric powder from two different brands, sesame seeds, and soya mini chunks. Officials stated that the laboratory analysis will determine whether the products comply with the required quality benchmarks.
Large Quantity of Food Products Taken Into Custody
According to the FDA, the confiscated inventory consisted of 598 kilograms of one brand of turmeric powder, 1,258 kilograms of another turmeric powder brand, 538 kilograms of sesame seeds, and 1,778 kilograms of soya mini chunks. The department stated that these products were seized pending further investigation into the alleged violations identified during the inspection.
Alleged Regulatory Violations Under Examination
The Food and Drug Administration said preliminary findings indicated that the premises was allegedly operating a storage facility without the necessary licence. Officials also pointed to suspected labeling irregularities and concerns that some food products could be substandard or unsafe for consumers. Further action will depend on the outcome of laboratory testing and the department’s ongoing inquiry.
The inspection was carried out by Food Safety Officers KL Sonkamble and Pratik Jadhav under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Nilesh Khose. Pune Zone-1 operates under the jurisdiction of Joint Commissioner (Food) DW Bhogawade.
Business Owner’s Family Linked to Separate Criminal Investigation
Authorities noted that the business belongs to Pravin Goyal, who is the father of Siya Goyal, an accused in the Ketan Agarwal death case. However, the Food and Drug Administration has clarified that it has not linked the regulatory action against the business to the ongoing criminal investigation. The agency has presented the inspection as an independent enforcement measure based on alleged violations of food safety regulations.
Police Verify Marriage Reports in Rajasthan
In a separate development related to the Ketan Agarwal case, a team from the Pune Rural Police travelled to the Khatu Shyam Temple in Rajasthan to verify reports claiming that Siya Goyal and co-accused Chetan Chowdhury had allegedly married there in a private ceremony.
As part of the verification process, investigators requested CCTV recordings from the temple premises. According to a senior police official, no surveillance footage was available for examination, preventing authorities from confirming the reported event through video evidence.
Accused Continue Under Judicial Custody
Earlier reports had claimed that Siya Goyal and Chetan Chowdhury had allegedly solemnised a secret marriage at the Khatu Shyam Temple. Police are continuing to verify the available information as part of their investigation.
Both Siya Goyal and Chetan Chowdhury remain lodged in Yerawada Central Jail under judicial custody in connection with the Ketan Agarwal murder case. Investigations related to the case are continuing in accordance with the legal process