📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / N. Vivekananthamoorthy
Crime
Maharashtra to Invoke MCOCA in Fight Against Food Adulteration
✍️ DD News
🗓 10 Sep 2026, 05:04 AM
👁 31
The Maharashtra government announced it will invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) to prosecute individuals involved in food adulteration, signaling a tougher stance on public health violations.
The state cabinet approved the decision, directing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and law‑enforcement agencies to use MCOCA provisions against those found guilty of adulterating food items.
Officials said the move aims to deter large‑scale networks that profit from selling substandard or contaminated products, which have previously led to health hazards.
Under MCOCA, offenses can attract harsher penalties, including longer imprisonment and higher fines, compared with regular food‑safety laws.
The government will set up a special task force to investigate, gather evidence, and fast‑track cases in courts to ensure swift justice.
Consumer groups welcomed the step, urging strict implementation to protect citizens from unsafe food.
Officials said the move aims to deter large‑scale networks that profit from selling substandard or contaminated products, which have previously led to health hazards.
Under MCOCA, offenses can attract harsher penalties, including longer imprisonment and higher fines, compared with regular food‑safety laws.
The government will set up a special task force to investigate, gather evidence, and fast‑track cases in courts to ensure swift justice.
Consumer groups welcomed the step, urging strict implementation to protect citizens from unsafe food.