Maharashtra FDA Issues Food Safety Guidelines Ahead of Deepavali Festival

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued detailed guidelines aimed at ensuring food safety practices during the Deepavali festivities, when consumption of traditional food items experiences a significant surge across the state.

The advisory targets both consumers and food business operators, outlining essential precautions to prevent foodborne contamination during the preparation, storage and distribution of festive food products. With demand for items such as sweets, khava, ghee and dry fruits reaching peak levels during this period, authorities have emphasised the importance of maintaining stringent hygiene and quality standards.

Food business operators have been directed to follow established protocols regarding raw material sourcing, manufacturing conditions and packaging requirements. The FDA guidance underscores proper storage temperatures, ingredient freshness and sanitation measures throughout the production process to mitigate health risks.

Consumers are advised to purchase food products from authorised vendors and retailers, verify product labelling and expiry dates, and store items appropriately upon purchase. The advisory particularly highlights the risks associated with unpackaged or informally produced food items during festival seasons.

The precautionary measures form part of broader seasonal enforcement efforts by Maharashtra's food safety authorities to protect public health during high-consumption periods.