FDA Chief Tukaram Mundhe REACTS to Preity Zinta s Team Tukaram Mundhe T-shirt: Actual work must be done

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has responded to actor Preity Zinta s public show of support for the state s food-safety enforcement efforts. Zinta recently drew attention online after being photographed wearing a black T-shirt with Team Tukaram Mundhe written on it.

While acknowledging the gesture, Mundhe said he had not personally spoken to the actor. No, I haven't spoken to her personally, nor have we talked over the phone. But I am grateful that she mentioned Team Tukaram Mundhe, he told PTI.

Mundhe said that public support for causes related to food safety can help encourage collective action. I feel that people with good intentions exist at every level and in every sector of society. A team should be formed around these good causes; good ideas, thoughts and actions should be promoted, he said.

At the same time, the FDA commissioner stressed that symbolic gestures need to be followed by action. Referring to Zinta s T-shirt, he said, Simply wearing a T-shirt with 'Team Tukaram Mundhe' is not enough. Merely displaying the title won't suffice; the actual work must be done, and the right mindset must be adopted.

Zinta s appearance in the T-shirt came amid attention around Maharashtra s food-safety enforcement drive. Her gesture was subsequently shared widely on social media, prompting Mundhe to acknowledge her support.

Mundhe is currently the Commissioner of Maharashtra s Food and Drug Administration. The state FDA is responsible for regulatory functions related to food, medicines and cosmetics across Maharashtra.