Maharashtra FDA Mandates Free Drinking Water at Hotels and Restaurants; Announces Comprehensive Food Safety Reforms
Mumbai, 25th June 2026: In a major consumer-friendly decision aimed at strengthening food safety standards across Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a comprehensive Food Safety Compliance Order making it mandatory for all hotels, restaurants, eateries and other food establishments to provide safe drinking water free of cost to customers.
The decision was announced following a review meeting chaired by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, who said that access to safe food and drinking water is a fundamental right of every citizen. He directed all food business operators to display notices informing customers that free drinking water is available and clarified that establishments cannot compel customers to purchase bottled water.
The order applies to all food establishments across the state, including hotels, restaurants, dhabas, canteens, cafeterias, quick-service restaurants, banquet halls, catering units, bakeries, sweet shops, food courts, juice centres, cloud kitchens, chain restaurants, as well as online food delivery platforms and e-commerce food businesses.
Key Directives Issued by the FDA
Under the new guidelines, serving food in newspapers has been prohibited due to the risk of chemical contamination from printing ink. All establishments have been instructed to use only food-grade packaging materials for serving and packing food.
The FDA has also made it mandatory for food handlers to undergo regular medical examinations and obtain medical fitness certificates. In addition, employees engaged in food preparation and handling must complete the Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) programme prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
To promote healthier food practices, the order imposes strict restrictions on the repeated reuse of cooking oil. Large restaurant chains and food businesses have also been directed to display calorie information, allergen details, and clearly indicate whether food items are vegetarian or non-vegetarian on their menus.
Stronger Enforcement and Compliance
The FDA has instructed its officials to conduct regular inspections throughout the year instead of relying only on special enforcement drives. The department will also organise awareness meetings with hotel owners and food business operators to educate them about food safety regulations and the consequences of non-compliance.
According to the FDA, recent inspections across Maharashtra revealed several violations, including unhygienic food preparation, repeated use of cooking oil, improper temperature control, use of non-food-grade packaging materials, and food handling by employees without valid medical fitness certificates.
The department has reiterated that all food businesses must possess a valid licence or registration issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and display it prominently. They have also been directed to procure raw materials only from licensed suppliers.
Further, food businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹50 crore will be required to undergo an annual Food Safety Management System (FSMS) audit through FSSAI-recognised agencies.
Strict Action Against Violators
The FDA warned that violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, could attract penalties, prosecution, and suspension or cancellation of licences depending on the nature and severity of the offence.
The comprehensive order is expected to significantly improve hygiene standards, enhance consumer awareness, and ensure safer dining experiences across Maharashtra while reinforcing the right of customers to receive safe drinking water free of charge.
