New Delhi: The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has approached the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), seeking immediate
and surprise inspections of food and catering facilities at film, television, OTT and other production sets across Mumbai.
In a letter to Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, IAS, the federation highlighted concerns over the quality, hygiene and safety of meals being served to actors, technicians and other workers during shooting schedules.
FWICE said complaints about food served on sets have been coming from its affiliated unions and members for several years. According to the federation, workers have often reported being served food that is stale, inadequately cooked, lacking in nutritional value or prepared in unhygienic conditions.
The federation pointed out that crew members frequently work long and demanding shifts, making access to safe and nutritious food particularly important. It warned that poor food hygiene could put the health of workers at risk.
FWICE flags poor dining facilities on sets
The federation has also raised concerns about the conditions in which workers are expected to eat their meals.
FWICE claimed that some shooting locations do not have proper dining areas, leaving workers to eat in open spaces exposed to dust, heat and rain. It also pointed to inadequate seating, limited access to clean drinking water and poor sanitation facilities at certain locations.
The federation has described the issue as one involving not just food safety but also the health, safety and dignity of the entertainment industry’s workforce.
FWICE has specifically requested the FDA to carry out surprise inspections at Film City in Goregaon as well as other shooting locations across Mumbai and neighbouring areas.
As part of the inspections, the federation has asked officials to examine kitchens, food preparation and storage areas, as well as catering arrangements at production sites. It has also urged authorities to check whether these facilities are complying with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and other applicable regulations.
Action sought against those supplying unsafe food
FWICE has further requested the FDA to collect samples wherever food is suspected to be contaminated, adulterated, unsafe or unfit for consumption. It has sought appropriate action against producers, caterers, contractors or other agencies found responsible for violations.
The federation has also asked the authorities to examine basic facilities provided to workers, including dining spaces, seating, drinking water and sanitation.
FWICE has called for production houses and catering agencies to be directed to maintain proper food safety and hygiene standards at shooting locations.
“Workers, technicians and artists are the backbone of the Media & Entertainment Industry,” the federation said in its representation, stressing that people working long hours to create films, television shows and digital content deserve access to safe food and decent facilities during their shifts.
FWICE has urged the Maharashtra FDA to take immediate cognisance of its concerns and initiate necessary enforcement measures. The federation has also offered to cooperate with the department and assist officials during inspections.
