Buying loose spices from a local grocery shop may no longer be an option in Maharashtra. The state's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale of loose and unpacked spice powders and mixed spices to prevent adulteration and contamination.

The order was issued on October 15, 2026, by Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. Under the new rules, spices must be properly packed and sealed at the production site so their source can be traced easily.

The decision is part of a wider effort to improve food safety across Maharashtra. It has also brought attention to Mundhe's work, which recently received public support from Bollywood actress Preity Zinta.

Tukaram Mundhe Issues New Rules for Spice Sellers

Tukaram Mundhe, who heads Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration, has introduced stricter requirements for businesses involved in the spice trade.

The new order covers the production, processing, storage, transportation and sale of spices. Manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, online sellers, restaurants and other food businesses must follow the applicable food safety rules.

The main goal is to make it easier to identify where spices come from and take action if adulterated or unsafe products are found in the market.

The FDA has also directed businesses to follow proper hygiene, packaging and labelling standards. Officials will examine the supply chain instead of focusing only on shops selling the final products.

Which Spices Are Covered Under the Ban?

The new rules cover several everyday spices used in Indian kitchens.

These include:

  • Turmeric powder
  • Red chilli powder
  • Coriander powder
  • Cumin and black pepper
  • Cinnamon, cloves and cardamom
  • Garam masala and curry powder
  • Other spice powders and mixed spices covered by the order

Under the new requirements, these products must be packed and sealed at the production site rather than sold loose and unpacked.

Why Has Maharashtra Taken This Step?

Spice adulteration is a serious food safety concern. Some products may contain unauthorised colours, unwanted substances or lower quality ingredients that can affect their safety and quality.

The new rules aim to reduce these risks through better monitoring and stricter checks.

Proper packaging and labelling can also help officials trace a product back to its manufacturer or supplier when a complaint is received.

The order also prohibits the use of ethylene oxide for spice sterilisation and tightens action against prohibited colours and other adulterants.

Businesses that fail to follow the rules may face legal action under applicable food safety laws.

Preity Zinta Shows Support for Tukaram Mundhe

Tukaram Mundhe's food safety campaign has also received attention from Bollywood celebrities.

Actress Preity Zinta was recently spotted wearing a black T-shirt with the words β€œTeam Tukaram Mundhe” during an outing in Mumbai. Her gesture was seen as support for the Maharashtra FDA commissioner's efforts against food adulteration and poor hygiene standards.

Preity's support came in September 2026, before the new spice order was issued in October.

She also expressed her appreciation for public servants working to improve food safety. Her gesture brought more public attention to the issue and to the need for safer food practices.

Mundhe has welcomed support from celebrities but has also stressed that public awareness alone is not enough. Businesses and citizens must take responsibility and work together to make food safer.

What Does the New Rule Mean for Consumers?

For consumers, the biggest change is that loose and unpacked spice powders covered by the order will no longer be available for sale in their previous form.

People will need to buy properly packed and sealed spices. Before purchasing a product, they should check the label for the manufacturer's details, batch number, food licence information and other required details.

Packaged products are not automatically free from every risk, but proper labelling makes it easier to identify the source and report concerns.

Consumers should also avoid products with damaged packaging or unclear labels.

What Happens Next?

The success of the new rules will depend on how well businesses follow them and how strictly the FDA monitors the market.

Officials will need to check manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and other businesses involved in the spice trade. Small shopkeepers may also need to change how they purchase, store and sell their products.

The move is expected to bring greater attention to food quality and traceability across Maharashtra.

Conclusion

Maharashtra's ban on the sale of loose and unpacked spice powders is an important development in the state's food safety campaign. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has introduced stricter rules to help prevent adulteration and make spices easier to trace.

Preity Zinta's public support for Mundhe's wider food safety drive has also helped bring attention to the issue.

The real test will be how effectively the new rules are enforced. For consumers, the message is simple: check product labels, choose properly sealed spices and report suspected adulteration.