FOOD NEWS
Mumbai FDA Suspends Licences of Multiple Food Establishments Over Hygiene Violations
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has suspended the licences of several prominent food suppliers and restaurants in Mumbai following a series of inspections that uncovered significant health and safety breaches.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated a widespread crackdown on food safety violations across Mumbai, resulting in the suspension of licences for several notable establishments. The enforcement action, which follows a broader state-wide initiative led by Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe since May, aims to address critical lapses in hygiene and regulatory compliance.
Among the most significant findings was the inspection of an IRCTC-linked supplier, R K Associates & Hoteliers in Kurla West, on September 2. Authorities reported the presence of cockroaches in both storage and processing areas, alongside evidence of food preparation occurring near open garbage. Further inspections revealed structural issues, including damaged wall surfaces and floor tiles, as well as personal hygiene concerns, such as staff handling food with injuries and a lack of required medical fitness documentation for a significant portion of the workforce.
Widespread Violations Across Popular Eateries
The regulatory scrutiny extended to the ISKCON premises in Juhu, where three separate food establishments faced licence suspensions on September 7. Inspections conducted on September 3 uncovered a range of failures, including inadequate water testing records, improper storage temperatures, and a high risk of cross-contamination. Specifically, the food services restaurant at the site was cited for an open kitchen entrance that allowed pest entry, clogged drains, and a lack of essential staff training and medical records. ISKCON Govindas Restaurant was similarly flagged for deficiencies in equipment calibration, drainage, and basic sanitation protocols.The crackdown also impacted several other businesses across the region. In Ghatkopar, the licence of 'Bombay's - The Food Fusion Cafe' was recommended for suspension after inspectors discovered raw chicken stored in open containers, inadequate refrigeration, and poor drainage. In Borivali East, the registration of Shree Madhuram was targeted after officials found the establishment was operating as a full-service restaurant despite being registered only as a mobile food vendor. Additional suspensions were issued for Kothari Sweet and Mulund Farsan Mart in Mulund West, as well as the Maharashtra Biryani Centre in Goregaon East.
In a separate development in Navi Mumbai, the FDA suspended the licence of Mateshwari Milk in Kharghar. According to the official release, the firm was allegedly marketing loose milk under false labels, claiming it to be pasteurised cow or buffalo milk despite lacking the necessary on-site pasteurisation equipment. The facility was also found to be in violation of fundamental quality control and sanitation standards, marking another significant intervention in the ongoing effort to ensure food safety for consumers.
