G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), chaired a comprehensive review meeting in Mumbai to assess food safety enforcement across the state of Maharashtra. Held at FSSAI’s premier training institute ITCFSAN, the session focused on enhancing regulatory oversight and hygiene standards in the state.
A key directive from the meeting was the enforcement of 100% inspection of Packaged Drinking Water (PDW) units, along with bi-annual compliance checks to safeguard public health. Rao also emphasized the need to promote hygiene among street food vendors in line with the Eat Right India movement.
He praised the Maharashtra FDA’s enforcement actions, including sampling and training efforts such as FoSTaC programs for Anganwadi workers and vendors. The rollout of new Mobile Food Testing Vans was encouraged to strengthen on-ground surveillance.
Rao also emphasized the importance of disseminating the Prime Minister’s message to “Reduce Oil by 10%” and encourage healthier eating habits.
Senior officials from FSSAI, the state’s food safety commissioner Rajesh J Narvekar, and designated officers participated in the review. Notably, 194 new Food Safety Officers received appointment orders on World Food Safety Day, expected to boost field-level enforcement.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to robust food safety governance. Among recent achievements, the Eat Right Place of Worship certification was awarded to Swamy Samarth Trust and Shirdi Sai Baba Temple for exemplary hygiene practices.