FSSAI, Danone India introduce Mumbai’s all-women clean street food hub

INDIA – The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), supported by Danone India, has inaugurated “Mauli”, Mumbai’s first all-women Clean Street Food Hub, in a major step toward strengthening food safety and empowering women entrepreneurs.

The facility, located in Kandivali, was formally opened on August 17 by Union Minister Piyush Goyal as part of the ongoing Eat Right India movement.

The hub is fully operated by women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) who have completed FoSTaC (Food Safety Training and Certification). 

Equipped with skills in hygiene, safety, and business operations, these women are now delivering clean, high-quality street food while building sustainable livelihoods.

“At Danone, we are committed to positively impacting lives through safe, nutritious food,” said Shashi Ranjan, Managing Director, Danone India. “By partnering with FSSAI, we’re helping women entrepreneurs secure meaningful livelihoods while ensuring high standards of food safety across communities.”

Minister Goyal praised the project as “a proud milestone in the Eat Right India movement, a shining example of women’s empowerment, food safety, and community development in action.”

FSSAI has trained more than 6,000 street food vendors in India’s western region and recently conducted an additional session for 200 vendors at the event. 

The authority aims to expand its training to over 10,000 vendors and establish more clean street food hubs in major cities. 

The broader Eat Right India program is also being integrated into schools, workplaces, and local communities to embed a culture of safe, healthy, and sustainable food practices.

Expansion of regulatory training initiatives

This initiative aligns with FSSAI’s parallel efforts to build technical expertise in India’s food sector. 

Earlier this month, FSSAI co-signed an MoU between its International Training Centre for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (ITCFSAN) and the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, to launch the Executive Diploma in Food Safety and Regulations (EDFSR). 

Beginning October 4, 2025, this 48-week program is designed to equip mid-career professionals with advanced regulatory and compliance skills, bridging a critical talent gap in India’s rapidly evolving food industry.

“The food and beverage sector has expanded rapidly, and there is growing demand for regulatory expertise,” said Pritee Chaudhary, IRS, Director, FSSAI West Region. “This program is a vital step toward strengthening India’s food safety ecosystem.”

Together, initiatives like Mauli and the EDFSR diploma reflect FSSAI’s intentional approach in ensuring food safety at the grassroots level while preparing the industry’s next generation of regulatory leaders.

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