Maharashtra FDA assures food‑safety order won’t dampen festival celebrations, says Tukaram Mundhe

Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a food‑safety order aimed at ensuring that food prepared and sold during the current festive season meets prescribed hygiene standards. The directive, released ahead of major celebrations across the state, calls for stricter monitoring of street vendors, community kitchens and temporary stalls that cater to large crowds.

Speaking to the media, senior official Tukaram Mundhe emphasized that the order is a regulatory measure, not a ban on festivities. He assured that the guidelines are designed to protect public health while allowing celebrations to continue uninterrupted. Mundhe added that compliance will be facilitated through awareness drives and on‑site inspections rather than punitive actions.

The FDA has pledged to work closely with local municipal bodies to monitor compliance and to provide vendors with clear instructions on safe food handling. Authorities expect the combined effort to safeguard consumers without curbing the spirit of the festivals that draw millions of participants across Maharashtra.