Maharashtra FDA drive: Hotel industry calls for consultative approach on food safety

Hotel associations urged the Maharashtra FDA to adopt a consultative approach, warning that premature disclosure of inspection findings could unfairly damage reputations, livelihoods and business confidence. | Photo Credit: RAGU R

Three hotel associations, in a joint statement, have urged the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration to follow due process in its ongoing drive against establishments for violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act.

Expressing concern over the naming and shaming of properties, the associations have said that an opportunity should be provided to rectify deficiencies before the initiation of enforcement action.

The statement was issued jointly by the Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India), the National Restaurant Association of India, and the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association on Thursday evening.

The associations welcomed FDA action but called for a consultative approach. They have demanded that the FDA issue prior improvement notices in accordance with Section 32 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, before suspending or terminating licences for lapses.

“Many hospitality establishments have been built over decades through sustained investment, compliance and consumer trust,” they said. Public disclosure of interim inspection findings before implementation of corrective measures or final conclusions can cause disproportionate reputational damage, impact livelihoods and undermine business confidence, they added.

The associations said they welcome the FDA’s focus on strengthening food safety and have requested that inspections continue to follow a consultative and corrective approach, enabling establishments to undertake necessary improvements wherever feasible.

Published on July 31, 2026