Hospitality industry bodies have called for a balanced and consultative approach to food safety enforcement in Maharashtra, amid a series of inspections and regulatory actions by the state’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In a joint statement, the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) (HRAWI), the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) said they support the FDA’s efforts to strengthen food safety standards but expressed concerns over the manner in which enforcement actions are being communicated and implemented.
The associations noted that under the Food Safety and Standards framework, Food Business Operators (FBOs) are typically provided an opportunity to rectify deficiencies before stringent action is initiated. They urged regulators to continue following a corrective and consultative approach that enables establishments to address compliance gaps wherever feasible.
A key concern raised by the industry bodies relates to the public disclosure of inspection findings before the completion of due process. According to the associations, publishing names, photographs or videos of establishments before corrective measures are assessed and final regulatory conclusions are reached can cause significant reputational damage, affect livelihoods and erode business confidence.
The associations have also requested that the Maharashtra FDA issue improvement notices under Section 32 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, before considering suspension or cancellation of licences, except in cases involving serious risks to public health.
The statement follows recent FDA action against several hotels, restaurants and clubs across Maharashtra as part of an intensified food safety compliance drive.
While reiterating their commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene, the industry bodies said they remain willing to work closely with the FDA through training, awareness programmes and constructive engagement to improve compliance across the hospitality sector.
The associations stressed that effective regulation should balance consumer protection with procedural fairness, ensuring that public health objectives are achieved without undermining legitimate businesses.
