FDA Approval Now Required for Large Events Serving Food

Before throwing a big event with over 100 guests, like a big feast or a birthday bash, you need to get permission from the FDA. This rule is in place to make sure nobody gets sick from the food. Arjun Bhujbal, a Joint Commissioner at the FDA Pune, explained that this rule has always been there to prevent food poisoning. Even though most people mean well when they organize events to share food, it’s important to follow food safety rules. The FDA checks to ensure that all safety standards are met. They’ve recently stepped up monitoring to enforce this rule.

A senior FDA official mentioned that in the past, not many people thought about FDA approval for events like these. But now, because the FDA is focused on keeping the public healthy, it’s mandatory. This includes even local community leaders or political figures who want to host large gatherings. The FDA’s job is to protect everyone’s health.

The official stressed that this rule is all about quality control and preventing food-related illnesses. If someone serves food at a big event without FDA approval and it makes people sick, there could be serious consequences. The FDA might press charges or even shut down the organizing group, like local associations or committees. It’s all about making sure the food we eat at events is safe for everyone.