Tukaram Mundhe: Maharashtra food safety officer who is a social media star - BBC

**Maharashtra’s food‑safety officer, Tukaram Mundhe, has become a household name far beyond the corridors of the state’s FDA.** Originally appointed as a senior official in the state’s Food and Drug Administration, Mundhe gained a massive following on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram after a series of videos showing him inspecting street‑food stalls, checking temperature logs and confronting vendors over violations. His straightforward, no‑nonsense style – often punctuated by the simple refrain “public health first” – resonated with a public increasingly wary of food‑borne illnesses, especially during the high‑traffic Ganesh Chaturthi festival season.

**Mundhe’s rigorous enforcement has sparked a debate between regulators and Ganpati mandals over traditional “mahaprasad” preparations and related safety protocols.** In early September, several Mumbai mandals approached the FDA seeking clarification on standard operating procedures for the massive communal offerings that accompany the festival, while also questioning a recently imposed ban on loudspeaker DJs, which the state described as a “government prerogative” to curb noise pollution. Mundhe has reiterated that his interventions are guided by scientific guidelines, not by any intention to curb cultural practices, and has urged mandal leaders to cooperate in ensuring that food served to millions complies with temperature, hygiene and contamination standards.

**The officer’s high‑profile crusade has also spilled into his private life.** In interviews with *The Hindu*, Mundhe emphasized that “popularity was never my goal; what matters is public health,” but an *Indian Express* report revealed that his children have expressed discomfort with the public scrutiny and occasional protests his actions have provoked. While the Mumbai apex mandal body has publicly affirmed the need to preserve the sanctity, tradition and culture of Ganesh otsav, it also signalled a willingness to work within the regulatory framework that Mundhe champions, underscoring the delicate balance between heritage and safety.