On September 6, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Greater Mumbai office organized an awareness programme targeting sweets manufacturers, retailers, and mawa manufacturers in the city. The session provided crucial guidance and instructions under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations, aiming to enhance food safety and quality during the upcoming festival season.
The FDA layed stress on the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene throughout the production process. Manufacturers were advised to prioritize sanitation, ensuring that hands, equipment, workshops, and workspaces are kept clean at all times. Workers should wear clean, appropriate clothing and practice good hygiene before starting work, as this plays a significant role in ensuring the safety of the products.
The quality of raw materials used in sweet production was another focal point of the programme. The FDA stressed the need to use only pure and safe ingredients such as high-quality milk, sugar, ghee, and dry fruits. Using impure or spoiled raw materials not only compromises the taste but also poses significant health risks to consumers. Proper storage methods were also highlighted, with recommendations to maintain the right temperature and ventilation. Sweets should be stored in refrigerators or clean, dry areas to prevent spoilage and ensure freshness.
Manufacturers were strongly advised to avoid the use of artificial colours and harmful chemicals in their products. The FDA recommended using natural colours, which are safer and do not have adverse effects on consumer health. Additionally, obtaining the necessary licenses and approvals as per FSSAI standards is mandatory for all sweet sellers. Compliance with these regulations guarantees the quality and safety of the products, boosting consumer confidence.
Proper labelling of sweets is essential to maintain transparency with consumers. The FDA outlined that all products should include information on shelf life, production date, and ingredients, enabling customers to make informed choices about the freshness and quality of what they purchase. Regular inspections of production and storage facilities were also recommended to uphold safety standards. Sweet manufacturers were encouraged to conduct these checks frequently and cooperate fully with administrative inspection processes to ensure their practices meet regulatory requirements.
Mahesh Chaudhari, Joint Commissioner of FDA Greater Mumbai, cited the importance of following these guidelines, stating, “Adhering to these guidelines ensures that customers receive safe, tasty, and pure sweets, enhancing the overall quality and trust in production.” This initiative by the FDA aims to safeguard public health and uphold high standards of food safety, particularly during the festival season when the demand for sweets is at its peak.