Maharashtra FDA suspends 13 food establishments over safety violations
Mumbai, August 22: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licenses and registration certificates of 13 food establishments in the state for serious violations of food safety and hygiene regulations. The action was taken after inspections conducted in various cities across the state revealed serious deficiencies in food storage, hygiene, temperature control, and food handling.
According to FDA officials, action has been taken against Bombay Presidency Radio Club in Colaba, McDonald’s in Malad, Novara in Malad, Status Restaurant in Nariman Point, Khar Gymkhana in Khar, Bajrang Sweet Mart in Santacruz, and ASM Hotels & Hospitality Services in Andheri West. The licenses of Dew Brothers Shawarma in Nagpur, Avanti Snacks in Nashik, and Pintu Yadav Sweets in Amravati have also been suspended. Action has also been taken against Chhappan Bhog Thali Restaurant and Banquet Hall in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Parbhani, Mhaaro Gayatri Mewar Private Limited, and Star Bakery in Parbhani for violating food safety regulations.
During an inspection of the kitchen of the Bombay Presidency Radio Club in Colaba, a large number of live flies, dead cockroaches, and insects were found lying around. According to the FDA, chemicals were stored near food items, while some utensils were placed directly on the floor. The inspection revealed a 47 percent deficiency in compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations. At Khar Gymkhana, numerous deficiencies were found in safe food storage, cooking oil quality, temperature control, and sanitation. Serious irregularities were also found, including spillage of dirty water on clean utensils, dirty utensils, stagnant water, and food waste. Due to these deficiencies, Khar Gymkhana’s registration certificate was suspended.
FDA has instructed all food establishments to completely stop the purchase, production, sale and distribution of food items during the suspension period. The administration has warned that if violation of food safety and hygiene rules continues, stricter legal action will be taken against the concerned establishments. FDA has clarified that it is mandatory for hotels, restaurants and establishments dealing with sale of food items to strictly follow the prescribed standards related to hygiene, safe storage and proper handling of food items.
