Eatery chain fined Rs1 lakh, highest in state

The Pune branch of Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has levied a fine of Rs1 lakh to AP Confectionery based in Hadapsar. According to Shashikant Kekare, FDA’s joint commissioner (food), this is the highest fine levied in Maharashtra on any party for using sub-standard milk under the new Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

“Food safety inspector VA Unavne had visited the Hadapsar unit of AP Confectionery and drew samples of frozen milk on November 4, 2011. The samples were sent to state laboratory in Pune and declared sub-standard. It had presence of sugar, skimmed milk powder and starch. I presided over a hearing on this subject on September 20 and fined the company Rs1 lakh,” said Kekare.

On September 19, Kekare had in a separate hearing fined the company Rs35,000 for using sub-standard frozen milk at its eatery chain on FC road.

Meanwhile, Ameet Pahilani, founder-director, AP Confectinery Private Limited, slammed the action stating that it was unfair and misleading.

“When they arrived at our unit, they asked us which milk we were using. So we produced the samples of the milk. We prepare our milk using skimmed milk cow powder and sugar but according to FDA officials, unless specified, milk means buffalo milk. It is cow milk they consider sub-standard and I think it is ridiculous. Also, they say presence of sugar in milk means adulteration, but has anyone drank a milkshake without sugar?” questioned Pahilani.