FDA Nagpur Issues Food Safety Guidelines for Dhammachakra Pravartan Din Food Distribution 2026

Maharashtra FDA has issued a comprehensive set of food safety guidelines for organisations and individuals planning food distribution on Dhammachakra Pravartan Din in Nagpur. The FDA Nagpur food safety Dhammachakra Pravartan Din 2026 advisory covers everything from purchasing raw materials to disposing of leftover food safely. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has made it clear that preventing food poisoning is the full responsibility of the organiser. Failure to follow these guidelines can attract strict action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Is a License Required for Food Distribution on Dhammachakra Pravartan Din?

This is the first question every organiser must answer. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, a designated food service provider operating at the event must hold a valid FSSAI license.

However, if the organising institution or trust is preparing and distributing food entirely on its own, a license or registration is not mandatory. Even so, all food safety and hygiene standards must be followed without exception. Organisers must also register their food distribution activity on the Maharashtra FDA portal before the event begins.

Where Should Raw Materials and Fruits Be Purchased?

All raw materials must be purchased only from licensed or registered food businesses. Organisers must avoid expired or near-expiry products and retain all purchase bills as documentary proof.

Fruits should be sourced from familiar, licensed, or registered vendors in the local area. Raw, rotten, or damaged fruits must never be used under any circumstances. Organisers should prepare only as much food as required for the event and must ensure that every item is safe for consumption before it is served.

What Are the Rules for the Kitchen and Volunteers?

The cooking area must be clean, well-organised, and hygienic at all times. All utensils must be clean and properly covered when not in use. Only potable drinking water should be used for cooking and food preparation.

Every volunteer involved in cooking or serving food must wear an apron, gloves, and a cap throughout the event. Volunteers must wash their hands thoroughly every single time before handling food. Anyone involved in food preparation or distribution must be completely free from skin diseases and infectious illnesses on the day of the event.

Why Is Extra Caution Needed for Khava and Dairy Products?

Khava, mava, milk, and all dairy-based products are highly perishable items. They require strict temperature control throughout the supply chain. All milk and dairy products must be stored at four degrees Celsius or below at all times.

Khava and mava must be transported exclusively in refrigerated vehicles from the point of purchase to the event venue. Organisers must never use old, stale, or dairy products that have been in cold storage for several days. Using such products significantly increases the risk of food poisoning among a large gathering of people.

Who Is Responsible for Leftover Food and Inspections?

The responsibility for proper disposal of leftover food lies entirely with the organising institution, trust, or individual organiser. Leftover food must be disposed of in a safe and hygienic manner. It must not be left out in open areas where it can be accessed by others or cause contamination.

Every organiser must appoint a designated responsible person for managing food safety and hygiene at the event. This person must cooperate fully with food safety officers and follow all on-site instructions issued by them during inspections.

How to Register and File Complaints?

Organisers must register their food distribution activity on the Maharashtra FDA portal. All documentation, bills, and supporting materials must be maintained properly. Organisers can contact the FDA’s Nagpur office located at Palace Road, Civil Lines, for any guidance.

Complaints related to food safety can be filed online at complaints.mahafda.in. Alternatively, anyone can report food safety violations by calling the toll-free helpline number 1800222365. The helpline is operational at all times and connects directly to FDA officials.

This advisory has been issued by Joint Commissioner (Food) K.R. Jaipurkar of the Maharashtra FDA Nagpur office. Citizens and organisers have been requested to cooperate fully with the administration and to follow all public health guidelines issued by the State Food Safety Commissioner.