Food Manifest 
Key Development Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) will conduct surprise inspections at eateries, bars, and restaurants until December 31, ahead of Christmas and New Year, said Minister Narhari Zirwal. FDA teams will collect food samples to detect adulteration and ensure compliance with food safety norms. The inspections will focus on the repurposing of food
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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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