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Maharashtra FDA rollout hygiene ratings for delivery kitchens & hotels
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Saturday, 02 August, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Abhitash Singh, Mumbai
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In a move to enhance food safety standards and bring more transparency for consumers, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is all set to roll out a hygiene rating system for food delivery outlets, hotels, and restaurants across the state. FDA commissioner Rajesh Narvekar stated that the initiative aims to offer a structured, reliable, and visible hygiene score for every food establishment, going beyond just customer reviews available on food delivery apps.
He emphasised that many delivery kitchens operate in conditions that are not visible to consumers. "Most of the time, people order food online and judge the outlet based on taste or delivery time. But nobody really knows the hygiene practices followed by the outlet. Our hygiene rating system will address this gap," Narvekar said. He added that this system will especially benefit consumers who rely heavily on online platforms for food delivery.
The hygiene rating will be based on a five-star scale and will include parameters such as food quality, kitchen cleanliness, staff hygiene, proper documentation, and valid licenses. Narvekar said the FDA is already in talks with major food delivery platforms to integrate this hygiene rating on their apps so customers can make informed choices. The ratings will be visible to the public and are expected to bring a shift in consumer behaviour as well as push food businesses to prioritise cleanliness and safety.
"This is not a one-time rating. There will be regular follow-ups, and outlets will have to maintain their standards to retain their rating," Narvekar added. He said this initiative is part of the FDA’s larger goal to ensure that the food consumed by people in Maharashtra is safe, clean, and of high quality. The rollout is expected to begin in the coming months.
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