Maharashtra Hotels And Restaurants Must Provide Free Safe Drinking Water, Says FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe
Maharashtra Hotels And Restaurants Must Provide Free Safe Drinking Water, Says FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe
Renuka Suryavanshi
Mumbai, June 25, 2026: In a major move aimed at strengthening food safety and consumer rights, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has directed all hotels, restaurants, dhabas, and eateries across Maharashtra to provide safe drinking water to customers free of cost.
The order is part of the FDA’s ongoing “Safe Food, Healthy Maharashtra” campaign, which seeks to improve food quality and public health standards across the state.
Addressing a press conference, Mundhe said all food establishments must display prominent signboards informing customers that purified drinking water is available free of charge. The move is intended to ensure that consumers are aware of their rights and have access to safe drinking water while dining.
The commissioner warned that strict action would be taken against establishments that fail to comply with the new directives. He emphasized that food safety and access to clean drinking water are both essential aspects of public health and must be treated with equal importance.
Since taking charge of the FDA, Mundhe has launched several enforcement drives against hotels, restaurants, and food outlets found violating food safety norms. The latest order further expands the department’s efforts to improve hygiene and consumer protection standards across Maharashtra.
As per the directive issued on June 23, all hotels, restaurants, dhabas, and eateries are required to comply with food safety regulations, including mandatory registration under relevant food safety laws and adherence to the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011.
Mundhe also stressed the need for strict implementation of safety norms to protect consumers, including school children, and ensure that food served across the state meets prescribed quality standards.
