Mumbai — Three of Maharashtra's leading hospitality associations have joined forces to appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging them to rein in the state's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and ensure its enforcement drive strictly adheres to the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act). The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) (HRAWI), the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), and the Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) argue that the FDA's current approach — which includes sudden licence suspensions without prior notice — undermines the spirit of 'Ease of Doing Business' and the legislative intent of the FSS Act.
The hospitality sector is one of Maharashtra's largest employers, and the associations warn that abrupt enforcement actions are having a direct impact on businesses and livelihoods. While they fully support food safety measures, they insist that such measures must be implemented within the legal framework, which explicitly provides for a 14-day Improvement Notice before any licence suspension. The associations point out that the FDA's compliance order dated 23 June 2026 deviates from the FSS Act and was issued without the necessary stakeholder consultations.
Reputational damage and due process
The associations are particularly concerned about the premature public disclosure of enforcement actions, which they say can cause irreversible reputational damage — especially for small and mid-sized establishments that may be unfairly targeted. They have requested a review of the compliance order and strict adherence to due process, including restraint in public communications until investigations are complete.
“We are not against enforcement; we are against enforcement that bypasses the law,” said a spokesperson for HRAWI. “The FSS Act was designed to be a progressive, facilitative framework. Sudden suspensions without notice are not only legally questionable but also devastating for businesses that have invested years in building their reputation.”
The associations have also highlighted that the FDA's actions could deter investment in Maharashtra's hospitality sector, which is already navigating a competitive landscape. They note that other Indian states have adopted a more consultative approach, and they fear Maharashtra is falling behind in the ease of doing business rankings.
The groups have formally requested an urgent meeting with the Chief Minister to discuss these issues further. They have also expressed their commitment to partnering with the FDA and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to enhance compliance through training and consultations.
This dispute comes at a time when Maharashtra is actively courting international tourism, including deepening ties with Russia and promoting heritage investments to drive growth. Industry observers say that a heavy-handed regulatory environment could undermine these efforts.
The hospitality sector's concerns echo broader calls for regulatory reform across India. As UK hospitality leaders push for tax overhauls, Indian associations are similarly advocating for a more predictable and transparent regulatory climate.
For travel professionals, the outcome of this dispute will be closely watched. Maharashtra is home to Mumbai, the country's financial capital and a key gateway for international visitors. The state also hosts major MICE events and luxury properties, making regulatory stability critical for the entire travel ecosystem.
The associations have not yet received a response from the government, but they remain hopeful that a dialogue will lead to a more balanced approach. In the meantime, they advise their members to maintain full documentation and to cooperate with FDA officials while asserting their legal rights.
As the industry awaits the Chief Minister's response, the message from Maharashtra's hospitality leaders is clear: food safety and business viability must go hand in hand, and enforcement must respect the rule of law.
