Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, known for his surprise raids at food joints across the state, may soon turn his attention to film studios. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has written to the FDA demanding inspections at Mumbai’s shooting locations, citing long-standing complaints about unsafe food served to film workers.
FWICE raises health concerns over food on shooting sets
According to the News18 Showsha report, FWICE has formally requested surprise raids at shooting locations and catering facilities across Mumbai, stating that complaints about food quality on sets have piled up over the years. The federation stated that this poses a real health and safety risk for crew members who work extended hours on shoots.Ashoke Dubey, general secretary of FWICE, said in a statement to the FDA, “Workers, technicians and artists spend long hours on shooting locations, and they deserve safe, hygienic and wholesome food at their workplace. This is a basic requirement, not a luxury.”He added, “This is about the dignity and well-being of the people who keep the entertainment industry running. We hope the FDA will take cognisance of these complaints and conduct inspections so that production houses and catering agencies are held accountable.”
FWICE wants checks at Film City and beyond
The federation has specifically asked the FDA to carry out surprise inspections at Film City in Goregaon, along with other shooting locations in and around Mumbai. It wants officials to examine kitchens, food preparation zones, storage areas and catering setups to confirm they meet the standards laid out under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.FWICE has also asked for food samples to be collected wherever meals appear unsafe, adulterated or unfit for consumption and has requested action against any producers, caterers or agencies found violating norms. The body has promised full cooperation with the FDA to help carry out the proposed checks.
What is the ‘Mundhe Effect ‘?
The term has come to describe a broader change in how restaurants and hotels operate, not because of any one raid but due to a shift in FDA procedure. Under Tukaram Mundhe, licences are suspended immediately when violations are found, doing away with the earlier practice of giving establishments time to quietly fix issues before action is taken.This change is what industry insiders believe has genuinely shifted behaviour. Kitchens that previously ignored hygiene standards unless already flagged in a report are now treating compliance as an ongoing operational necessity, aware that there’s no longer a cushion to correct problems before facing consequences.