Maharashtra FDA Announces Four-Stage Food Safety System for Festivals

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration on Thursday announced a four-stage food safety system to monitor food quality and prevent adulteration during festivals, fairs, and large public celebrations.

According to an official statement issued by the authority, the initiative establishes a permanent, year-round food safety calendar aimed at protecting public health during major community gatherings across the state.

Under the new system, authorities will enforce stricter inspections targeting high-demand festive items, specifically sweets and cooking oil, which are frequently subject to adulteration risks.

The regulatory oversight will also extend directly to mass gatherings and venues serving free meals to devotees and the public. Food Safety Officers have been tasked with inspecting locations providing community feasts, including Mahaprasad, Iftar, Langar, and Bhandara.

The FDA stated that these targeted checks and sustained monitoring efforts are intended to ensure food safety standards are strictly upheld throughout public celebrations.