In a significant move aimed at protecting consumer rights and preventing unfair billing practices, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has directed restaurants and hotels not to ask customers whether they prefer packaged drinking water or regular water. The order has been issued under the leadership of FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe as part of a broader effort to improve transparency in the food and hospitality sector.
The decision comes after complaints that some restaurants were encouraging customers to purchase bottled water without clearly informing them that safe drinking water must be provided free of cost. The FDA believes the practice often led to unnecessary expenses for consumers and created confusion regarding their rights.
Free Drinking Water Must Be Available
Under existing food safety regulations, restaurants are required to provide customers with safe and potable drinking water. The FDA has now clarified that customers should not be put in a position where they feel compelled to purchase bottled water.
Officials have emphasised that serving free drinking water is a basic obligation for food establishments. Bottled water can still be sold, but only if a customer specifically requests it. Restaurants are not expected to proactively ask customers whether they want packaged water or regular water.
Consumer Rights Get A Boost
Consumer rights advocates have welcomed the move, arguing that many diners unknowingly end up paying for bottled water because of the way the choice is presented. In several cases, customers reportedly assumed packaged water was the default option offered by restaurants.
The new directive seeks to eliminate such ambiguity and ensure that consumers are aware of their entitlement to free drinking water while dining out. Industry observers believe the move could reduce disputes between customers and restaurant operators over billing practices.
Part Of Wider FDA Reforms
The latest order is part of a series of consumer-focused initiatives being introduced by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. The regulator has recently intensified enforcement efforts across food safety, quality control and consumer protection areas.
Mundhe has gained attention for introducing stricter compliance measures across the food sector, including new rules aimed at curbing food adulteration and improving transparency in food distribution systems. The latest restaurant directive reflects the administration’s broader focus on ensuring that businesses follow consumer-friendly practices.
Impact On Restaurants
While the order is unlikely to have a major financial impact on most establishments, it may require restaurants to modify their standard service procedures. Staff may need to be trained on the new guidelines to ensure compliance.
For consumers, however, the change is expected to make dining experiences more transparent and reduce the likelihood of unnecessary charges. The FDA hopes the directive will strengthen consumer confidence while encouraging restaurants to adhere more closely to food safety and service regulations.
