Maharashtra FDA Chief shares 4 things to check at restaurants: ‘Likely to lead to contamination’

Maharashtra FDA Chief shares 4 things to check at restaurants: 'Probable to lead to contamination' Thoughtful selections, balanced plating, and moderation are key to enjoying restaurant meals without derailing your wellness goals.

Key points

• 3 min read New Delhi Aug 22, 2026 11: 00 PM IST.
• With food adulteration cases making headlines lately, Tukaram Mundhe, Commissioner of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration, has been in the spotlight.
• Deepalakshmi, a registered dietitian at Sree Balaji Medical Centre, Chennai, suggests some key tips and tricks to keep in mind for a safe dining out experience.
• Incorporating these mindful eating strategies not only makes your dining experience more health-conscious but additionally supports long-term weight management and metabolic health, states Deepalakshmi.
• According to her, one of the most effective ways to reduce hidden calories is by requesting sauces on the side.

3 min read New Delhi Aug 22, 2026 11: 00 PM IST. Follow this safety checklist when dining out. (Magnific).

With food adulteration cases making headlines lately, Tukaram Mundhe, Commissioner of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration, has been in the spotlight. During a recent interview, the officer shared a 4-point checklist that he swears by when eating out safely. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by NDTV (@ndtv).

"Begin your meal with a clear, broth-based soup, as these not only provide warmth and comfort but also help reduce overall calorie intake by promoting early satiety, " she suggests, adding that when it comes to mains, "opt for steamed, grilled, or lightly stir-fried preparations and avoid deep-fried or heavily battered dishes". It tend to be calorie-dense and high in unhealthy fats.

According to her, one of the most effective ways to reduce hidden calories is by requesting sauces on the side. "Plenty of popular sauces are high in sugar, sodium, and fat. By dipping lightly or drizzling sparingly, you maintain flavor without overloading on excess calories, " she continued.

Deepalakshmi suggests making vegetables a significant part of your plate-dishes like mixed vegetable stir-fries are fiber-rich and contribute to fullness while supplying essential micronutrients. "When it comes to rice or noodles, brown rice or whole grain varieties are preferable over white rice or refined noodles, as they offer more fiber and stabilize blood sugar levels, " she notes.

Staying hydrated with water or unsweetened green tea instead of sugary beverages supports digestion and appetite control, she adds.

Here's why dim sums are among the healthiest options when eating out.

" Restaurant servings are often generous, so consider sharing entrees or packing half to go before you start eating. Even small practices such as using chopsticks can help-by slowing down your eating pace, they allow your body time to register fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating, " she concludes. Thoughtful selections, balanced plating, and moderation are key to enjoying restaurant meals without derailing your wellness goals.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

Taken together, the developments around maharashtra FDA Chief shares 4 things to check at restaurants: 'Likely to point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.