Film Body asks Maharashtra FDA to raid Mumbai sets over unhygienic crew food: ‘Stale, substandard’

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has requested Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the sets of Mumbai's film productions in light of the unhygienic food and substandard facilities provided to the daily-wage workers. In a letter dated August 11, FWICE highlighted the poor quality of meals and unsanitary conditions in which they are prepared and served.

For years, the federation has been receiving complaints from its affiliated unions and members about the stale, poorly cooked and nutritionally inadequate meals being provided to the crew. These meals are often prepared in unhygienic conditions, posing a serious risk to the health and safety of the workers who spend long hours on set.

FWICE has previously raised this concern with government authorities, but no meaningful action has been taken. The organization complains about the lack of designated dining areas, inadequate seating arrangements, lack of clean drinking water and poor sanitation facilities at shooting locations. The federation urges the FDA to conduct surprise inspections and examines catering arrangements under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.