The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a statewide crackdown on Ayurvedic drug manufacturers after inspections found serious violations of prescribed manufacturing and quality-control standards at several establishments. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said Ayurvedic medicines must be manufactured strictly according to prescribed standards. He stressed that manufacturers of classical Ayurvedic medicines must follow recognised reference texts, while patent and proprietary medicines must meet specified quality-control standards. The FDA has warned Ayurvedic manufacturers that strict action will be taken against establishments that fail to comply with Schedule T Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements. The statewide inspection drive is aimed at ensuring that Ayurvedic medicines manufactured in Maharashtra meet the required standards and that lapses affecting public health are dealt with firmly.