In Maharashtra, India’s second most populous state, food safety commissioner Manoj Mundhe has become a prominent figure by intensifying inspections and enforcement actions against food businesses violating safety standards. Since taking office in May, Mundhe and his team have conducted roughly 12,000 inspections, uncovering widespread noncompliance across a wide range of establishments, from street vendors to high-end restaurants and manufacturing facilities.

Mundhe’s aggressive approach aims to address longstanding issues related to food hygiene in India, where enforcement has traditionally been inconsistent and, at times, compromised by corruption. His efforts have included surprise raids at notable venues such as Olympia, a popular tea house in Mumbai, as well as factories producing food additives. In one recent inspection, a factory was found storing mango purée a year past its expiration date and mislabeled flavoring products, resulting in a suspension of operations.

Despite criticism from some quarters branding his methods as overzealous, Mundhe has garnered substantial public support and praise from various sectors, including Bollywood actors, restaurateurs, and consumers. Videos of his enforcement actions have circulated widely in the media, heightening public awareness and sparking a national conversation on food quality and safety standards.

Mundhe’s dedication to his work is rooted in a personal philosophy shaped by his upbringing on a debt-ridden farm in rural Maharashtra and the ethical values imparted by his family. He has described his resolve as a commitment to public health, saying that if he cannot uphold the law, no one else can. His career in the civil service spans more than two decades and includes postings focused on tackling fuel adulteration and local crime, leading to multiple transfers—some attributed to his strict enforcement stance—and even death threats.

Among his notable regulatory actions, Mundhe has banned foods high in sugar, salt, or fat from school premises and challenged the labeling practices of major corporations. For instance, his office accused PepsiCo and Red Bull of misleading consumers by marketing beverages as “energy drinks” without an approved regulatory definition. He has also uncovered expired goods in warehouses operated by e-commerce giants.

Mundhe’s tenure has had tangible ripple effects throughout the food industry and local communities. Vendors like Swamy Gowda, who sells vada pav in Mumbai, have altered their practices by using food-grade wrapping instead of cheaper, potentially hazardous alternatives like newspapers. Dairy farmers report improved profits following crackdowns on tainted milk.

While some criticize Mundhe for being too strict, many see him as a necessary force for change in an environment where food safety has been historically neglected. His work illustrates the challenges and complexities involved in enforcing regulations in a populous and diverse food market, highlighting both progress made and ongoing hurdles in protecting public health.