In a landmark step for food safety and women’s empowerment, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched “Mauli” – the country’s first all-women Clean Street Food Hub in Mumbai. The hub was officially inaugurated on Sunday, August 17, 2025, by Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, marking a significant milestone in the Eat Right India Movement.

This pioneering initiative brings together safe food practices, sustainable entrepreneurship, and women’s leadership in one model that is set to inspire similar hubs across India.

A Women-Driven Movement Towards Clean Street Food

The “Mauli” hub is unique in its approach—fully managed and operated by women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These women have successfully completed FoSTaC (Food Safety Training and Certification), equipping them with the skills to maintain hygiene, safety, and efficient business practices.

With this training, the women entrepreneurs are not only serving clean, safe, and high-quality street food but also building consumer trust and community confidence in India’s vibrant street food culture.

Shri Piyush Goyal’s Visionary Address

Speaking at the inauguration, Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal praised the initiative, stating:

“The inauguration of Mauli, India’s first all-women Clean Street Food Hub at Kandivali, marks a proud milestone under FSSAI’s Eat Right India movement. Operated entirely by trained SHG women, it is a shining example of women’s empowerment, food safety, and community development in action.”

His remarks highlighted how this hub is more than just a food destination—it is a symbol of empowerment, innovation, and sustainable development.

Training, Impact, and Nationwide Expansion

The “Mauli” hub reflects the impact of the FoSTaC Street Food Vendors Programme, under which more than 6,000 street food vendors in the West Region have already been trained. This program has been instrumental in transforming India’s informal food sector by strengthening food safety, improving hygiene, and creating scalable models for Clean Street Food Hubs.

At the inauguration, FSSAI also organized a mass training session for over 200 street food vendors. Looking ahead, the next phase will extend training to 10,000+ vendors across the region, further embedding food safety best practices at the grassroots level.

The Road Ahead: Scaling Across India

Building on the success of Mauli, FSSAI plans to launch more Clean Street Food Hubs in major Indian cities, ensuring that the model has a nationwide impact.

Additionally, the Eat Right India Movement will be expanded across schools, workplaces, and communities, with the goal of cultivating a nationwide culture of safe, healthy, and sustainable food practices.

A Milestone for Food Safety and Women’s Empowerment

The inauguration of “Mauli” is not just about clean food—it’s about transforming lives, creating opportunities, and setting new benchmarks in food safety and women-led entrepreneurship. By bringing together trained SHG women, government support, and consumer trust, this initiative stands as a replicable model for India’s future street food hubs.

With Mauli, Mumbai has not only gained a clean and safe street food destination but also a powerful example of how women-led initiatives can redefine India’s food landscape.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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