Food Manifest 
Key Update The Maharashtra government told the Bombay High Court that flavoured hookah tobacco does not qualify as “food” and therefore does not fall under the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act, 2006. The state relied on a March 23 clarification issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Companies Challenge Raids and
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Significant Update Maharashtra on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages to collect and recycle PET (polyethene terephthalate) bottles across the state, marking the company’s first formal PET recycling partnership with any state government in India. The agreement will implement the Maha-rPET campaign under a structured public-private partnership model aimed at
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Key Development After a series of food poisoning incidents linked to mid-day meals, the Maharashtra government has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to strengthen food safety in schools. The move follows a recent case in Buldhana where 13 tribal girls fell ill after consuming contaminated food. The SOP outlines clear roles for schools, local
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Quick commerce companies promising 10–15 minute grocery deliveries are now under the Maharashtra FDA’s radar. After officials found serious hygiene violations at a Zepto warehouse in Dharavi, Mumbai, the FDA has intensified its search for hidden “dark stores” fuelling this rapid delivery model. Zepto Raided, Licence Suspended Last month, FDA officers raided a Kiranakart Technologies
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Key Update In response to consumer complaints about misleading substitutions, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra has made it mandatory for food establishments using analogue paneer to display its composition on menus, premises, or packaging. Although the use of cheese analogues in the food service sector has been legally permitted since 2021, FDA
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Key Update Ahead of Diwali, the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) launched a statewide campaign to prevent food adulteration. Officials inspected 1,594 sweet shops and collected 2,369 samples of milk, khoya, ghee, edible oils, sweets, dry fruits, and chocolates for testing. Of the 554 samples tested, the FDA found 513 safe, 26 substandard, four
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