The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India), the National Restaurant Association of India, and the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association have jointly appealed to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Maharashtra, urging them to ensure that the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) enforcement drive adheres to the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act). The associations argue that the FDA's current approach, which includes sudden licence suspensions without prior notice, undermines the spirit of 'Ease of Doing Business' and the legislative intent of the FSS Act.
The hospitality sector, a major employer in Maharashtra, is concerned about the impact of abrupt enforcement actions on businesses and livelihoods. The associations emphasise that they support food safety measures but insist these should be implemented within the legal framework, which includes a 14-day Improvement Notice before any licence suspension. They highlight that the FDA's compliance order from 23 June 2026 deviates from the FSS Act and was issued without necessary stakeholder consultations.
The associations warn that premature public disclosure of enforcement actions can cause irreversible reputational damage, particularly affecting small and mid-sized establishments. They have requested a review of the compliance order and adherence to due process, including restraint in public communications until investigations are complete. The associations remain committed to partnering with the FDA and FSSAI to enhance compliance through training and consultations, seeking an urgent meeting with the Chief Minister to discuss these issues further
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