Iftaar to langar to marriage: FDA nod now must in Maharashtra

Mumbai: Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Munde has mandated prior permission from the FDA for those organising iftaars, Bhandaras, langars, maha prasad and food being served at marriage functions.

Munde said organisers will have to seek permission from the local FDA by filing a proforma giving details of the caterer, ingredients and raw materials being sourced. Organisers will only be allowed to distribute food through a licensed caterer.

The FDA Commissioner said a year-round action plan has been prepared to look into how food is prepared and distributed during festivals such as Ganeshutsav, Holi, Eid, Bakrid, Navratri and Makar Sankranti.


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"The demand for food rises sharply during festivals and hence there is a higher chance of adulteration as increased demand gives people economic incentive to mix adulterated or substandard food products in the system, hence we have decided to take action," said Munde.

The commissioner said food safety inspectors will visit sites where iftaars, Bhandaras, langars and other food is being served on a mass scale to check for violations. Munde said that if there are any violations, the FDA inspector will have to recommend a sanction for prosecution against the offender within 14 days of the event/festival getting over.