Nashik: FDA officials accused of demanding yearly payments from traders across the district

Traders in Nashik have alleged that Food and Drug Administration officials demanded yearly payments ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh, raising concerns about corruption in the department.

7 November 2025, Nashik – Several traders across Nashik district have raised serious allegations against officials from the Food and Drug Administration, claiming they were pressured into paying yearly amounts to keep their businesses running without harassment. According to complaints submitted by local business owners, the officials demanded sums starting from ₹10,000 for small grocery outlets and going up to nearly ₹1 lakh for larger establishments like hotels, sweet shops and food processing units. Many traders say these demands did not come in the form of official fees or documented charges but as direct requests from certain officers, often during inspections or routine visits. Some shopkeepers reported being told that if they failed to pay the demanded amount, their business would face stricter scrutiny. One trader claimed that after refusing to pay, an officer warned him that his matter would be “seen later”, a phrase traders interpret as a threat of future trouble in licensing or compliance checks.

The allegations have caused considerable uproar because the region falls under the constituency of the minister who directly oversees the department. Traders say this makes the situation even more concerning, as the officers involved appear confident that their actions will go unchecked. In response, multiple traders’ associations from Nashik have jointly filed written complaints with the FDA commissioner’s office and the minister’s office, seeking immediate inquiry and action. They state that the demands have become a pattern over the past year, with certain officials allegedly collecting the so-called payments annually as an informal “renewal” fee. Some traders have said they fear the consequences of speaking openly but have still chosen to report the issue collectively because the financial pressure has become untenable.

For small and mid-sized businesses, these extra unofficial costs add to an already heavy compliance burden. Many proprietors operate on thin margins, and an unexpected payment of ₹10,000 to ₹1 lakh can severely strain their finances. They argue that the FDA’s job is to ensure food safety, not to create parallel financial obligations. Meanwhile, business groups in the district have pointed out that transparency in regulatory inspections is crucial if trust is to be maintained between the authority and traders. They say the allegations cannot be dismissed as isolated incidents and must be investigated thoroughly.

The situation has started drawing attention from neighbouring districts as well, as traders fear similar practices might spread if not addressed immediately. Legal experts note that demanding payments without official receipts may fall under corruption and extortion-related offences, and they expect law enforcement agencies to step in once the internal administrative inquiry begins. Consumer groups in Nashik have also expressed worry because corruption in food regulation can hurt not just businesses but public safety itself. If traders feel pressured, they may hesitate to cooperate fully during food quality inspections, which could weaken enforcement standards.

The coming weeks are likely to see more traders stepping forward as the controversy gains momentum. Many are hoping that the government will take swift action to restore confidence in the system and ensure that compliance remains fair, transparent and free from unofficial financial demands.

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