The Maharashtra FDA has introduced a comprehensive food safety order that requires hotels and restaurants to provide free drinking water while strengthening hygiene and consumer protection standards across the state.
Hotels, restaurants, cafés, and food service establishments across Maharashtra must now provide safe drinking water free of charge under a new food safety order issued by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The directive forms part of a wider effort to strengthen food safety standards and improve compliance across the hospitality sector.
Under the new rules, establishments must clearly inform customers that free drinking water is available. They also cannot compel customers to purchase bottled water. The FDA says access to safe drinking water is a basic consumer right, and food businesses must make it available to all guests.
The order follows inspections and enforcement actions that identified hygiene lapses, unsafe food handling practices, and other violations across parts of the food service industry.
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New rules cover the entire food service industry
The order applies to hotels, restaurants, dhabas, cafés, cafeterias, quick-service restaurants, banquet halls, catering units, bakeries, sweet shops, food courts, cloud kitchens, juice bars, and online food delivery operators. Authorities say the new framework aims to improve consistency across food businesses while creating greater transparency for consumers. Establishments must maintain valid licences and registrations, follow prescribed hygiene standards, and ensure staff comply with food safety requirements.
Food safety standards become stricter
The Maharashtra FDA has introduced several additional requirements as part of the order. Businesses can no longer serve food in newspapers or printed paper because of contamination risks linked to printing ink and chemicals. They must also use food-grade packaging materials and follow stricter food handling procedures. The order also requires food handlers to undergo medical fitness checks and food safety training. In addition, businesses must monitor cooking practices more closely and comply with regulations governing the use of edible oils.
Menus must provide clearer information
The new framework places greater emphasis on consumer awareness. Large restaurants and food chains must provide information about calorie counts, allergens, and vegetarian or non-vegetarian status on menus. The FDA says these measures will help customers make more informed choices while improving transparency across the sector. The move aligns with broader efforts to strengthen food safety compliance and encourage higher standards across Maharashtra’s hospitality industry.
Maharashtra strengthens food safety enforcement
The order forms part of a wider campaign to improve food safety practices across the state. Authorities have increased inspections and compliance checks in recent months as they work to address issues such as unhygienic food preparation, improper storage, poor packaging practices, and food handling violations. Officials say they will continue to engage with food businesses while ensuring stronger enforcement of food safety regulations throughout Maharashtra.
Key points
- Maharashtra hotels and restaurants must provide free safe drinking water.
- Businesses cannot force customers to purchase bottled water.
- The order bans serving food in newspapers and printed paper.
- Restaurants must strengthen hygiene, training, and food handling practices.
- Large food businesses must display calorie and allergen information.
