Mumbai’s eateries, including popular vada pav outlets, are seeing noticeable improvements in cleanliness and food quality, with residents attributing the change to Food Safety Commissioner and IAS officer Tukaram Munde.
Vada pav remains a daily staple for lakhs of people across the city, especially at roadside stalls. While the snack’s taste has long drawn crowds, concerns over hygiene and food safety had persisted.
After taking charge, Munde intensified inspections across restaurants and food-selling points. According to the report, action included cancelling licences of several outlets and imposing fines on others.
A field study cited by NDTV found changes across both well-known establishments and pushcart vendors. Staff were seen working with gloves and caps, and customers were provided paper plates and tissue paper along with vada pav.
The report also noted cleaner cooking areas, greater attention to storage spaces, and food safety licences displayed prominently. A shop manager said cooking oil is changed twice daily and hygiene practices are now mandatory, while residents said the drive has increased awareness about sanitation and the need to prevent health issues through better food standards.
