FDA in Maharashtra launches food safety drive ahead of festivals in state

The initiative by FDA was officially launched at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai. Representational Pic/File

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra has launched a special inspection drive to ensure citizens get safe, clean and high-quality food during the upcoming festival season.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign "Festival of Maharashtra, Commitment to Food Safety", FDA Secretary Dheeraj Kumar said the focus is on providing unadulterated and nutritious food to the public.

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According to an official statement, the initiative was officially launched at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre in Mumbai.

It said that the FDA, under the guidance of Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal and Minister of State Yogesh Kadam, aims to prevent the sale of substandard or adulterated food, which can be a risk during the festive period when the demand for sweets, snacks and special dishes increases.

The officials said that special the campaign will run from August 11 to October 25, 2025 and special attention will be given to food items like sweets, modaks, faral, and prasad, commonly consumed during Ganeshotsav, Eid, Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali.

They said that workshops on food hygiene will be conducted for sweet makers, women's self-help groups, and public Ganesh mandals.

A training programme for food business operators was also conducted during the launch, the statement said on Wednesday.

Dheeraj Kumar urged food vendors to follow legal guidelines and make use of FDA training and awareness programmes.

He said that the department is also working to increase the number of food testing labs and recruit more staff.

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar pointed out that during the festivals, when supply can't match demand, there is a risk of adulteration. He appealed to vendors to maintain honesty and hygiene, ensuring the festivals are celebrated without any health hazards.

At the event, a model street food vendor cart was unveiled, and students from Khalsa College in Mumbai performed a play to raise awareness about the dangers of adulterated food. A short film about the campaign was also shown.

Certificates were awarded to trained food business operators, the statement said.

Citizens have been urged to report food-related complaints to the FDA toll-free helpline: 1800-222-365, it said.