The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner Tukaram Mundhe clarified that the recent food safety order is intended to ensure safe food during festivals, not to curtail celebrations or religious observances.

Mundhe explained that the legal framework for food safety—covering registration and licensing of Food Business Operators—has been in place since 2011. The new order simply enforces this existing framework during festivals and large public gatherings.

To systematically monitor food adulteration, the FDA has introduced a year‑long “Festival Enforcement Calendar.” This proactive measure targets contamination risks rather than imposing restrictions on cultural events.

He emphasized, “We are not regulating festivals; we are ensuring that food served at festivals—just as in weddings, bhandaras, Eid, Christmas, New Year’s Eve events—meets a law that has existed since 2011.”

The order is religion‑neutral and festival‑neutral, applying equally to all communities. It does not prohibit any community food distribution, religious rituals, or traditional celebrations.

The primary objective of the SOP is to clarify the roles and responsibilities of officers, vendors, caterers, and organizers, thereby reducing ambiguity and ensuring consistent implementation of the law.

“This directive strengthens food safety while preserving cultural harmony and public health.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does this order apply to all religious festivals? Yes, it applies uniformly to festivals of all religions and communities.

2. Is there any ban on food events under this order? No, the order focuses solely on ensuring food safety and imposes no bans.