India, Aug. 26 -- Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, who has made headlines for his massive crackdown on food businesses for flouting norms, has responded to criticism over his show-cause notices to Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Kha, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff for participating as brand endorsers for Vimal, allegedly a tobacco product.

He cited food safety and advertisement rules in response to the criticism of his action against celebrities, which said the notices were aimed at gaining publicity. He reiterated that the notices were issued under an existing rule and not on his personal discretion.

Mundhe cited law which holds the advertisers and promoters equally responsible for what is being promo...