Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has responded to the support he received from Bollywood personalities amid the state’s ongoing food safety enforcement drive. While acknowledging gestures from Preity Zinta and Mallika Sherawat, Tukaram stressed that public participation must go beyond social media posts and symbolic displays.Tukaram Mundhe, meanwhile, has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report food safety concerns.
Preity Zinta shows support with ‘Team Tukaram Mundhe’ T-shirt
Preity Zinta recently showed her support for the Maharashtra FDA chief by wearing a black T-shirt. The words “Team Tukaram Mundhe” were printed across the T-shirt.The actress also praised the officer while discussing his work. When asked about Tukaram Mundhe, Preity Zinta said, “It is time to celebrate these heroes.”Tukaram Mundhe clarified that he has not personally spoken to Preity Zinta about the gesture. He nevertheless appreciated her public mention of his team.“No, I haven’t spoken to her personally, nor have we talked over the phone. But I am grateful that she mentioned Team Tukaram Mundhe,” he said while talking to PTI.
Tukaram Mundhe says symbolic support is not enough
Tukaram Mundhe thanked those who have publicly supported the food safety campaign. However, he stressed that such support must eventually lead to action. He said people with good intentions can come together to support causes that affect society. He also called for good ideas and actions to be encouraged.“I feel that people with good intentions exist at every level and in every sector of society. A team should be formed around these good causes; good ideas, thoughts, and actions should be promoted,” he said.The FDA commissioner also stressed that publicly displaying support alone would not address food safety concerns.“Simply wearing a T-shirt with ‘Team Tukaram Mundhe’ is not enough. Merely displaying the title won’t suffice; the actual work must be done, and the right mindset must be adopted.”
Mallika Sherawat praises the FDA chief
Mallika Sherawat also shared a video expressing her appreciation for Tukaram Mundhe. In the clip, the actress was seen eating idli and chutney while speaking about the FDA commissioner’s work.“Aap ki wajah se ab main shanti se khana kha sakti hu… Aap ki nazro se kuch bachta nahi,” (“Because of you, I can now eat peacefully… Nothing escapes your watchful eye.”) she said.Responding to the wider message, Tukaram Mundhe urged citizens to remain watchful about the food they consume. He specifically highlighted adulterated, unsafe and unhealthy products.“I believe that every citizen must keep ‘nazar’ (vigilant eye) on items that are adulterated, unsafe, or unhealthy, specifically those high in fat, sugar, or salt that could harm one’s health,” he said.He also described food safety as a shared responsibility.“I am trying to do my part and carry out my responsibility. However, I feel this isn’t just a task for one individual; it is a team effort.”Twinkle Khanna reacts to FDA inspectionsTwinkle Khanna took a humorous approach while reacting to the FDA’s inspection drive. She joked about the possibility of an inspection reaching her own home.Her remark imagined inspectors finding a packet of “Shahi Masala” that had expired around the time of the Mughal Empire.Tukaram Mundhe has continued to call for cooperation between authorities, businesses and citizens. The Maharashtra FDA has also conducted inspections and suspended licences in cases involving alleged hygiene and food safety violations across the state.Tukaram Mundhe warns against harmful product endorsementsTukaram Mundhe has also spoken about celebrities endorsing products that could potentially harm public health. He referred to President Droupadi Murmu‘s recent appeal to film personalities on the issue.At the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat, President Droupadi Murmu spoke about the influence of successful film personalities on children and young people. She said artists can encourage audiences to follow healthier and more disciplined lifestyles.“A true star is one who spreads light, not darkness,” the President said. She also urged celebrities not to promote products that could harm public health, while noting that they “have a powerful influence on young minds”.Tukaram Mundhe later shared a video of the President’s speech on X and reiterated his position on Wednesday.“Influence is not immunity. Artists, like everyone else, must respect the law and recognise the responsibility that comes with endorsing products, behaviours and habits that shape public choices,” he wrote.“When influence is used to endorse food products, public health cannot be an afterthought. In Maharashtra, we have already issued notices to artists for endorsements that raise concerns in the larger public interest,” he added.“Influence must never become a licence to promote what may harm public health. No commercial interest can take precedence over public health.” Tukaram Mundhe concluded.
