Maharashtra FDA Completes Methanol Inspections Across Pune Division; 15 Licences Cancelled Over Violations
Pune, October 23, 2026:
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed inspections of all 102 licensed methanol-related establishments across the Pune division as part of a wider enforcement drive aimed at preventing the misuse of the hazardous chemical. Following the inspections, the department suspended 28 licences and cancelled 15 others over various compliance-related issues, officials said.
The inspection campaign was launched statewide following the Pune hooch tragedy, which brought renewed attention to the risks associated with the improper handling and distribution of methanol. The Pune division became a major focus of the exercise because it has the highest concentration of methanol-related companies in Maharashtra.
According to FDA officials, inspections and enforcement measures have been underway over the past four months. The objective has been to ensure that businesses involved in methanol-related activities follow the prescribed rules governing the chemical’s purchase, storage, handling, sale and distribution.
Girish Hukare, Joint Commissioner of the FDA’s Drug Division in Pune, said the inspections did not uncover any cases of illegal methanol sales. However, the department identified several shortcomings among the licensed establishments, leading to the suspension and cancellation of licences.
Officials clarified that the 28 licence suspensions were primarily linked to technical and documentation-related deficiencies. These included problems with record maintenance and issues concerning the appointment of computer personnel. The 15 licence cancellations, meanwhile, were associated with violations involving the storage, handling and distribution of methanol.
The distinction between the two actions highlights the different types of non-compliance identified during the inspections. While some establishments faced action over administrative and record-keeping deficiencies, others had their licences cancelled because of violations related to the handling and movement of the chemical.
The FDA has also indicated that the existing regulatory framework already contains provisions governing methanol-related activities. Rather than introducing new regulations, the department is concentrating on enforcing the rules currently in place and ensuring that licensed businesses comply with the required safety standards.
Hukare said that although inspections of all licensed establishments in the division had been completed, continued monitoring would remain necessary to ensure consistent compliance. The department intends to continue verification and take appropriate action against businesses found violating the applicable requirements.
Methanol is an industrial chemical that requires careful storage and handling. Improper use or distribution can pose serious risks to human health and public safety. Effective oversight of licensed establishments is therefore important to reduce the possibility of misuse and ensure that the chemical is handled only in accordance with the prescribed rules.
The FDA’s latest drive represents an effort to strengthen regulatory oversight following the Pune hooch tragedy. With all 102 licensed establishments inspected, the department’s next challenge will be to maintain regular monitoring, address continuing violations and ensure that businesses meet the required standards.
Officials have emphasised that enforcement will continue, with further action to be taken wherever violations are detected. The focus remains on preventing methanol misuse, improving compliance and reducing risks to public safety.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
