Key Update

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced a comprehensive food safety order to improve hygiene, consumer safety, and transparency across the state’s food service sector. The rules apply to restaurants, hotels, eateries, dhabas, canteens, cafeterias, bakeries, sweet shops, food courts, cloud kitchens, catering units, chain restaurants, and online food aggregators.

Free Drinking Water for Every Customer

All food establishments must now provide safe drinking water free of charge. They cannot compel customers to buy bottled water and must display a notice informing customers that free drinking water is available. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said access to safe food and drinking water is a fundamental right.

No More Serving Food in Newspapers

Serving or wrapping food in newspapers or other printed paper is now prohibited due to the risk of chemical contamination from printing inks. Food businesses must use only food-grade packaging.

Mandatory Health Checks and FoSTaC Training

Food handlers must undergo regular medical examinations, and all food service staff must complete FoSTaC (Food Safety Training and Certification) training to strengthen food safety practices.

Better Menu Transparency

Large food businesses and chain restaurants must clearly mention:

• Calorie content
• Food allergens
• Vegetarian or non-vegetarian status

This will help customers make informed food choices.

Stricter Rules on Cooking Oil

The FDA has tightened regulations on the reuse of cooking oil. Food businesses must follow prescribed limits and dispose of used oil safely.

Licensing and Annual Audits

Every food establishment must display a valid FSSAI licence or registration and procure raw materials only from licensed suppliers. Businesses with an annual turnover above ₹50 crore must also undergo an annual Food Safety Management System (FSMS) audit through an FSSAI-recognised agency.

Continuous Monitoring

The FDA has directed officials to conduct food safety inspections throughout the year instead of relying only on special drives. It will also organise awareness meetings to educate food business operators about compliance requirements.

Why the New Rules?

Recent inspections across Maharashtra revealed several violations, including:

• Unhygienic food preparation
• Reuse of cooking oil
• Food handlers without medical fitness certificates
• Poor temperature control
• Use of substandard packaging materials

These findings prompted the FDA to strengthen food safety enforcement.

Penalties for Violations

Businesses that fail to comply with the new rules may face fines, prosecution, or suspension or cancellation of their licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Bottom Line

The new order raises food safety standards across Maharashtra by making free drinking water mandatory, banning newspaper packaging, improving staff training, enhancing menu transparency, and strengthening compliance. The measures aim to create a safer dining experience for consumers while promoting better food safety practices across the industry.

Source: NDTV