Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has backed President Droupadi Murmu’s recent appeal to film personalities. The President had urged celebrities to consider the impact of the products they endorse on public health. Mundhe reiterated his position on Wednesday after sharing a video of President Droupadi Murmu’s speech on X.
Tukaram Mundhe backs President Droupadi Murmu’s appeal
Tukaram Mundhe said celebrity influence comes with responsibility. He stressed that public figures must also remain accountable for the products, habits and behaviours they promote. The FDA commissioner said popularity cannot place anyone beyond the reach of the law.“Influence is not immunity. Artists, like everyone else, must respect the law and recognise the responsibility that comes with endorsing products, behaviours and habits that shape public choices,” he wrote.Tukaram Mundhe’s comments come after President Droupadi Murmu addressed the issue at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony. The event was held in Kevadia, Gujarat. The President spoke about the significant influence that film personalities have over children and young people.
FDA commissioner stresses public health
Tukaram Mundhe also highlighted the concerns surrounding celebrity endorsements of food products. He pointed to action already taken by the Maharashtra FDA against certain endorsements. The commissioner said public health should remain a priority when influential personalities promote products.“When influence is used to endorse food products, public health cannot be an afterthought. In Maharashtra, we have already issued notices to artists for endorsements that raise concerns in the larger public interest,” he added.The FDA chief further said commercial interests should not take priority over public health. He reiterated that celebrities and other influential personalities remain subject to the same laws and regulations.“Influence must never become a licence to promote what may harm public health. No commercial interest can take precedence over public health,” he said.
Tukaram Mundhe’s action against food establishments
Tukaram Mundhe has gained attention this year for the Maharashtra FDA’s inspections of food establishments in Mumbai. The department has examined hygiene and food-safety practices at several outlets. Some establishments have also faced action following the inspections.The FDA later turned its attention towards celebrity endorsements. On August 11, the department issued notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over a Vimal Elaichi advertisement.
Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff receive notices
The notices alleged that the Vimal Elaichi advertisement amounted to surrogate promotion for Vimal Pan Masala. The product is prohibited in Maharashtra. Tukaram Mundhe had also said that one of the actors had failed to respond to the notice.The action cited provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act. Section 24 places restrictions on misleading advertisements. Section 53 allows a penalty of up to Rs 10 lakh for a person who publishes or is involved in publishing a misleading food advertisement.The notices brought celebrity advertising under greater scrutiny. They also highlighted the FDA’s position that public figures can face regulatory action over endorsements that raise concerns under food-safety laws.
President Droupadi Murmu says stars influence young minds
President Droupadi Murmu raised the issue while speaking at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony. She discussed the influence of successful actors and other film personalities on younger audiences.“A true star is one who spreads light, not darkness,” President Droupadi Murmu said.She also urged celebrities to stay away from endorsements involving products that could harm public health. The President underlined the reach of film personalities and their ability to shape public choices.The President said children and young people often look up to popular film figures. She noted that celebrities can encourage positive habits when they speak about disciplined lifestyles.