Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has raised concerns over the food being served to workers, technicians and artists at film, television and digital shoots across Mumbai. In a letter to Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the federation has sought surprise inspections of shooting locations and catering facilities.
According to FWICE, it has been receiving complaints for several years about the quality of food served on sets. The federation has alleged that meals at some locations are stale, poorly cooked, nutritionally inadequate and prepared in unhygienic conditions. It said this poses a serious health and safety concern for workers who spend long hours on shoots.
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Ashoke Dubey, General Secretary of FWICE, in a statement, said the federation was compelled to approach the FDA after repeated complaints from its affiliated unions and members. “Workers, technicians and artists spend long hours on shooting locations, and they deserve safe, hygienic and wholesome food at their workplace. This is a basic requirement, not a luxury,” Dubey said.
FWICE has also flagged the lack of basic dining facilities at several shooting locations. It claims workers are sometimes forced to eat in open areas exposed to dust, heat and rain, with inadequate seating, no designated dining spaces and poor access to clean drinking water and sanitation.
“This is about the dignity and well-being of the people who keep the entertainment industry running. We hope the FDA will take cognisance of these complaints and conduct inspections so that production houses and catering agencies are held accountable,” Dubey said.
The federation has requested surprise inspections at Film City in Goregaon and other film and television shooting locations in Mumbai and surrounding areas. It has asked FDA officials to inspect kitchens, food preparation units, storage facilities and catering arrangements for compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
FWICE has also requested that food samples be collected wherever food is found to be unsafe, adulterated or unfit for consumption, with appropriate action taken against the producers, caterers or agencies responsible. It has urged the FDA to examine dining infrastructure and issue necessary directions to production houses and catering agencies to maintain hygiene and food safety standards.
The federation has sought immediate intervention from the FDA and said it is willing to assist authorities in facilitating the inspections.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
