HRAWI, NRAI and AHAR Seek Fair Implementation of Food Safety Regulations in Maharashtra

The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) (HRAWI), the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) have welcomed the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) renewed focus on food safety and regulatory compliance while urging the authority to ensure enforcement follows the principles of due process.

The associations said they support stronger food safety standards but stressed that inspections should continue to follow the consultative and corrective approach outlined under the Food Safety and Standards framework. They noted that Food Business Operators (FBOs) should generally be given an opportunity to rectify identified deficiencies before stringent action is initiated.

The industry bodies also expressed concern over businesses being publicly identified before the completion of the regulatory process. According to the associations, publishing the names, photographs or videos of establishments before corrective measures are evaluated can result in reputational damage and impact businesses built over many years.

HRAWI, NRAI and AHAR have requested the Maharashtra FDA to implement the Food Safety and Standards Act in line with established procedures by issuing prior improvement notices under Section 32 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, before suspending or cancelling licences. They have also urged the regulator to avoid publicly identifying establishments before due process is completed and to exercise restraint in communicating ongoing enforcement actions, as inspection findings may be subject to compliance, rectification and further review.

The associations reiterated that food safety remains a priority for the hospitality industry and highlighted their continued collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Maharashtra FDA through awareness programmes, stakeholder consultations and training initiatives.

They added that the hospitality industry remains committed to maintaining food safety and hygiene standards while expressing willingness to continue working with the Maharashtra FDA to strengthen compliance through awareness, training and constructive engagement.