The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has asked the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct surprise inspections of food and catering facilities at shooting locations, citing long‑standing complaints about stale, unsafe meals on sets.

Key Takeaways

  • FWICE urges Maharashtra FDA to inspect food services at film and TV sets.
  • Complaints cite stale, poorly cooked, nutritionally inadequate meals in unhygienic conditions.
  • Inspections will cover kitchens, storage units, and catering arrangements for compliance.

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has written to the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting surprise inspections of food and catering facilities at film, television, and digital shooting locations across Mumbai.

The union says it has received complaints for several years about the quality of meals served on sets. Workers report that food is often stale, under‑cooked, lacking nutritional value, and prepared in unhygienic environments, posing serious health risks for crews who spend long hours on location.

FWICE General Secretary Ashoke Dubey warned, "Workers, technicians and artists deserve safe, hygienic and wholesome food at their workplace. This is a basic requirement, not a luxury."

The federation also highlighted the absence of proper dining facilities at many locations, forcing crew members to eat in open areas exposed to dust, heat and rain, with inadequate seating, limited clean drinking water, and poor sanitation.

Historical Background

Food safety issues have plagued the Indian film industry before; in 2015, a high‑profile case of food poisoning on a major set prompted calls for stricter regulations, yet systematic oversight remains limited.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that unsafe food practices on sets not only jeopardize workers' health but also risk costly production delays and legal liabilities for producers. Ensuring compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 is essential for sustaining the industry's growth.

"Neglecting food safety on film sets directly endangers the lives of countless crew members," says food‑safety expert Dr. Ravi Singh.
Did You Know?: Only about 5% of Indian film sets undergo regular FDA inspections under the 2006 Food Safety Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Has the FDA previously inspected food services on film sets? Yes, occasional spot checks have been conducted at major studios, but a comprehensive, surprise‑inspection regime is new.
  • What happens if violations are found during the inspections? Catering agencies, production houses, and kitchen staff can face penalties, fines, or closure orders under food‑safety regulations.