The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a major statewide food safety enforcement campaign, directing hotels, restaurants, dhabas, cloud kitchens, caterers, and online food delivery businesses to strictly comply with food safety regulations. The initiative, titled “Safe Food – Healthy Maharashtra,” aims to improve hygiene standards and protect public health across the state.
FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe warned that food businesses serving unsafe or unhygienic food will face strict legal action, including imprisonment, heavy monetary penalties, suspension or cancellation of licences, and closure of establishments.
Statewide Inspection Drive
As part of the campaign, approximately 4.5 lakh food establishments across Maharashtra will undergo inspections. The FDA will examine whether businesses are following the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and maintaining proper hygiene and food handling practices.
Major Violations Detected
Recent inspections conducted by the FDA revealed several serious food safety violations, including:
- Food being prepared in unhygienic conditions
- Repeated use of cooking oil
- Improper storage of food at prescribed temperatures
- Food handlers working without valid medical fitness certificates
- Failure to provide customers with safe drinking water
The department stated that these violations pose significant health risks and will not be tolerated.
Strict Punishments Under Food Safety Law
The FDA has highlighted the legal consequences for serving unsafe food under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006:
- Death caused by unsafe food: Minimum 7 years imprisonment, extendable to life imprisonment, along with a minimum fine of ₹10 lakh.
- Grievous injury or serious health damage: Up to 6 years imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹5 lakh.
- Ordinary injury: Up to 1 year imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹3 lakh.
- Unsafe food without causing injury: Up to 3 months imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
Heavy Penalties For Other Violations
The FDA has also warned food businesses against several other violations, including:
- Operating without a valid FSSAI licence or registration – penalty up to ₹10 lakh
- Manufacturing or selling substandard food – fine up to ₹5 lakh
- Misbranding or misleading food labels – fine up to ₹3 lakh
- Preparing or storing food in unhygienic conditions – fine up to ₹1 lakh
Free Safe Drinking Water Mandatory
A key consumer-friendly provision in the order requires all hotels, restaurants, and eateries to provide safe drinking water free of cost.
Food businesses cannot force customers to purchase bottled water and must prominently display notices informing customers that free safe drinking water is available.
Ban On Reusing Cooking Oil And Unsafe Packaging
The FDA has prohibited the reuse or unauthorized sale of used cooking oil due to potential health risks. Establishments have also been instructed not to serve or package food in newspapers or any non-food-grade materials, citing possible contamination and chemical hazards.
Enforcement Measures
Businesses found violating food safety regulations may face:
- Improvement notices
- Suspension or cancellation of licences
- Closure of food establishments
- Seizure and destruction of unsafe food products
- Product recalls
- Public disclosure of offending businesses
- Criminal prosecution in serious cases
Strengthening Food Safety Across Maharashtra
According to the Maharashtra FDA, the “Safe Food – Healthy Maharashtra” campaign is designed to strengthen food safety compliance, improve hygiene standards, and ensure consumers receive safe, high-quality food.
The department has urged all food business operators to strictly follow food safety regulations and maintain the highest standards of hygiene to safeguard public health and avoid severe legal consequences.
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