While the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued sweeping directives on June 23 mandating free drinking water for customers and strict hygiene at restaurants, a mid-day check revealed widespread violations, with several restaurants in Kharghar continuing to force customers to purchase bottled water. Compounding the issue for frustrated citizens is the FDA’s official grievance redressal system. The state FDA toll-free helpline — 1800 222 365 — advertised as the primary channel for registering consumer complaints during working hours, remains perpetually busy.

On June 24, mid-day published a detailed report online highlighting the FDA's stringent new guidelines aimed at curbing malpractices across hotels and street food vendors. To verify the on-ground implementation, this correspondent visited Sector 35 in Kharghar.