Maharashtra FDA Trains Other States On Investigation Process

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Mumbai, Dec 25: Gaining on the popularity for effectively handling the Cadbury worm infestation issue, the Government of India has asked Maharashtra Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to train other state FDAs. The training is being conducted for most other state FDAs on how investigation processes could be improved.

Maharashtra FDA commissioner Uttam Khobragade told FE that the state FDA is now recognised as the best in the country and if the government gives more funds, more training could be organised for other bodies. The quality of investigation done in the Cadbury episode, better control on manufacturing processes in Maharashtra and lesser number of spurious products are the reasons for this recognition. After having accumulated a treasure of knowledge and skills, particularly from the worm infestation episode, the state FDA is now sharing this learning with other FDAs.

Mr Khobragade added that no other cases of infestation have occured in foods or pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, the inspection by FDA officers continues unabated, with emphasis on production processes to check the possibility of parasite-infestation.

Cleanliness at the manufacturer’s and the distributor’s end is also an inspection criterion. However, the commissioner expressed inability on the part of the FDA to have any fixed frequency for such checks due to an under-staffed team.