The state government has raised concerns over the impact of these directives on the authority of its officials to inspect food businesses and take action against violations. Under food safety regulations, state officials are empowered to inspect hotels, restaurants, shops and food manufacturing companies and initiate action when they find violations of applicable rules.
However, Maharashtra has argued that certain FSSAI decisions have affected the ability of state officials to inspect businesses operating under central licences and take enforcement action against them.
The state government has also objected to the separate centralised system introduced by FSSAI and changes made to licensing rules. Another key issue raised in the petition concerns access to records of food businesses available on the agency's online portal, which Maharashtra wants its officials to be able to access.
The Maharashtra government has asked the Bombay High Court to quash the disputed orders and rules. It has also sought access for state food safety officials to records relating to food businesses, arguing that the existing arrangements have affected their powers and access to relevant information.
The legal challenge has drawn attention because Maharashtra is governed by the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, while the central government is also led by the BJP. Despite the political alignment between the state and the Centre, the Maharashtra government has challenged the central food safety framework before the court.
The Bombay High Court is yet to deliver its final verdict in the matter. The next hearing is scheduled for today, November 2026.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, or FSSAI, is an organisation functioning under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It is responsible for establishing rules and standards aimed at ensuring the safety and quality of food products across India. Its regulatory framework covers food businesses and their compliance with applicable food safety requirements.
The outcome of the case could determine how the disputed regulatory provisions and access to food business records are addressed, with the state government's challenge centred on the powers of Maharashtra's food safety officials.
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