FWICE asks Maharashtra FDA to raid film sets over unhygienic food

The Story in Brief

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has written to Maharashtra FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, asking for surprise inspections of film and TV sets in Mumbai. The August 11 letter, signed by FWICE general secretary Ashok Dubey, says crew members have long complained about stale, poorly cooked and nutritionally inadequate food served at shooting locations. The federation says meals are prepared in unhygienic conditions and that workers have no proper place to sit and eat, often eating in open areas exposed to dust and rain.

FWICE has specifically requested checks at Film City in Goregaon and other major production hubs. The body wants FDA officials to examine kitchens, food storage and catering setups under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Earlier complaints to the Labour Department drew no action, the federation said. Tukaram Mundhe, known for surprise raids on eateries, has not responded publicly. The Times of India reports that under Mundhe's tenure, the FDA suspends licences immediately upon finding violations, a shift from earlier practice.