- FDA permission now mandatory for all large-scale feasts.
- Organisers must detail event, menu, and use licensed caterers.
- Rules aim to ensure food safety and hygiene at public events.
Maharashtra: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced strict rules for large-scale religious and social events across Maharashtra. Organisers must now obtain official permission from the FDA before hosting any mass feasts, including weddings, Iftar parties, Bhandaras, Langars, or Mahaprasad.
FDA Permission Mandatory
According to the directive issued by Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Munde, organisers are required to secure permission before hosting events. To secure permission, organisers must submit a form outlining the event details, caterers, planned menu items, and ingredient sources.
Only Licensed Caterers Permitted
Food and beverage distribution at these events will be permitted only by caterers holding a valid FDA license. Unlicensed caterers or cooks will not be permitted to prepare or serve food at these events.
Why Were These Rules Introduced?
The primary objective of this regulation is to ensure that all food served at public events is safe and hygienic, preventing food poisoning and related health emergencies.
During large gatherings, fairs, and weddings, food is prepared in massive quantities. In these high-volume settings, hygiene standards and ingredient quality can easily suffer due to negligence, posing serious public health risks. To address this, the FDA introduced these rules to enforce strict compliance, bring transparency to such events, and ensure that every meal meets basic health standards.
Maggie, Kurkure, Lays Packages Seized In Navi Mumbai
In a major crackdown in Navi Mumbai, the food safety officials busted a racket selling food products by altering their expiry and manufacturing dates before the packages were repackaged and exported. Popular food and beverage brands such as Kurkure, Lays, Knorr, Maggie, Rasoi, Hellmann's, Thums Up and Limca were seized from the warehouse. The stock was jointly seized by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Navi Mumbai Police Crime Branch.