Maha FDA cracks whip on 16 pharma units, issues stop production orders

An official release issued by the FDA said the state agency enforces the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945, and as part of its mandate carries out regular inspection of entities covered under the legislation.

The law regulates the production and sale of medicines and cosmetics in the state.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required to produce quality medicines in accordance with the Good Manufacturing Practices as prescribed under Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, the release said.

A verification and inspection programme covering the pharma manufacturing units in the state was carried out by the FDA between January 2022 and March 2022, the release said.

During this period, facilities of 655 manufacturers were inspected in the state and show-cause notices were issued to 95 entities for non-compliance of provisions, the FDA said.

As many as 16 manufacturing units have been issued "stop production orders" for serious violations of norms and 17 others served notices for submission of compliance reports, the release said.

Food and Drug Administration Maharashtra State is the State prime organization of consumer protection. It is a trusted agency to enforce the Food Safety & Standards Act 2006, Drug and Cosmetics Act fairly, upholds safety standards, and protects consumers. Commissioner is the head of the Administration and Drug Control Laboratory. FDA is having Head Quarter at Mumbai and offices at Division and District Places. The Divisional Offices are headed by the Joint Commissioner and District offices are headed by the Assistant Commissioner.