Mumbai FDA to Penalize Unlicensed Food Vendors, Fines Up to ₹10 Lakh
In an effort to ensure the safety and health of Mumbai’s residents, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a crackdown on unlicensed food vendors. Under this new campaign, vendors who fail to obtain registration and licensing under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2002, will face substantial fines.
Mangesh Mane, Joint Commissioner (Food) of the FDA’s Mumbai Division, announced that food sellers, including retailers, hawkers, manufacturers, and temporary stallholders, must now have the necessary licenses. Failure to do so will result in penalties ranging from INR 1 lakh to INR 10 lakh, depending on the size and nature of the business. The FDA has been actively working to prevent the sale of adulterated and unsafe food products. To ensure compliance, all food vendors—whether they run hotels, dhabas, grocery stores, bakeries, milk suppliers, or sweets vendors—must be registered with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). However, many vendors continue to operate without the necessary documentation, putting public health at risk.
Fines and Registration Requirements
Small-scale food traders, including hawkers and temporary stallholders, will face fines of up to INR 1 lakh if they do not possess a valid registration certificate. Larger establishments such as grocery stores, hotels, and food manufacturers will be subject to a hefty fine of up to INR 10 lakh if they are found to be unlicensed.
Action Required for Vendors
Mangesh Mane urged all food vendors to visit the FSSAI website immediately to register and obtain the necessary license along with supporting documentation. Vendors who fail to comply by the deadline will face strict penal action.
Display of License and Consumer Awareness
After obtaining a license or registration, food vendors are required to prominently display their certificate at the front of their business premises. This serves as a guarantee to customers that the food they are purchasing meets safety and hygiene standards. Vendors are also advised to remain vigilant about their license renewal period to avoid penalties for late renewals.
Consumer Caution
Mangesh Mane also emphasized the importance of consumer vigilance. If any instances of food adulteration or quality issues are detected, customers are urged to report the issue by calling the FDA’s toll-free number: 1800222365. The FDA’s initiative aims to ensure that food sold in Mumbai meets the highest standards of quality and safety, protecting the health of consumers and holding vendors accountable for their practices.
