Maharashtra FDA challenges FSSAI in High Court

The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court against the Union government and the FSSAI. The state alleges that the central regulator is creating an illegal parallel enforcement system, effectively hijacking powers previously held by state inspectors under the 2006 Food Safety and Standards Act.

Specifically, the petition seeks to strike down central regulations and overturn a May 12, 2023, circular that barred state officers from inspecting establishments holding Central Licences. Maharashtra argues that the central CEO's authority is limited to standards and imports, rather than routine local enforcement.

Editor's note: The brief effectively summarizes the legal conflict and the specific point of contention regarding the 2023 circular.