Maharashtra challenges India’s food safety authority over inspection jurisdiction
Maharashtra has petitioned the Bombay High Court to overturn an FSSAI order that prevents state officials from inspecting large, centrally-licensed food businesses.
The state of Maharashtra has taken the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to the Bombay High Court, contesting a 2023 mandate that restricts local officials from conducting inspections on businesses holding central licenses. State food safety commissioner Tukaram Mundhe argues that this directive hinders the state’s ability to enforce food safety protocols at large-scale operations, including the dark stores utilized by major quick-commerce platforms.
At the heart of the legal challenge is the interpretation of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. Maharashtra contends that FSSAI has overstepped its mandate by establishing a centralized enforcement system that excludes state authorities from their traditional oversight roles. Furthermore, the state has challenged recent revisions to turnover thresholds for central licensing, claiming the authority bypassed required public consultation processes.
The case, scheduled for hearing on November 26, highlights growing friction between state regulators and the central authority over the oversight of rapid-delivery retail. While FSSAI has signaled intentions to tighten regulations for e-commerce, the resolution of this petition will determine the extent of state-level intervention in the growing quick-commerce sector.