Pune FDA Suspends Lohegaon Eatery’s Licence For Using Fat Spread Instead Of Butter In Bun Maska
Pune FDA Suspends Lohegaon Eatery's Licence For Using Fat Spread Instead Of Butter In Bun Maska
Pune, July 20: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Pune Division, has suspended the food business licence of MRAT Enterprises (Franchisee Abhinandan Tea), a snack and tea outlet located in Lohegaon, for allegedly misleading customers by using vegetable fat spread instead of butter while selling food items marketed as being prepared with butter.
The action was taken as part of the Maharashtra FDA’s ‘Safe Food, Safe Drug, Safe Maharashtra’ campaign led by Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. Following a customer complaint, Food Safety Officers inspected the establishment on July 17, 2026.
During the inspection, officials found that the outlet was preparing and selling its popular “Bun Maska” using Nutralite Professional Vegetable Fat Spread (Medium Fat) instead of butter. However, customers were not informed about the substitution, creating the impression that genuine butter was being used.
According to the FDA, the practice amounted to misleading consumers about the nature and ingredients of the food served. Citing consumer protection concerns and the failure to disclose the actual ingredients, the department suspended the establishment’s food business licence with immediate effect from July 17, 2026, until further orders.
The FDA also issued a warning to all food business operators, stating that customers must be clearly informed about the actual ingredients used in food preparation. Establishments found replacing butter with fat spreads, paneer with cheese analogues, or using synthetic food colours in edible products without proper disclosure will face stringent action, including suspension of their licences.
The press note was issued by D V Bhogawade, Assistant Commissioner (Food), Food and Drug Administration, Pune Division.
