Maharashtra’s FDA recently conducted a crackdown on food establishments, resulting in multiple licence suspensions across Mumbai.
The action was part of a wider festive-season crackdown conducted between September 23 and 27. Across Maharashtra, the FDA suspended 30 food licences or registration certificates and seized 50,601.78 kg of food stock worth Rs 1.19 crore, according to the department. MUMBAI Mumbai’s iconic eateries and food outlets have come under the scanner of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with licences suspended and closure orders issued after inspections found serious hygiene and food-safety violations. The food licence of Kyani & Co. in Kalbadevi was suspended after an inspection found multiple hygiene violations in its food preparation and storage areas. The establishment was ordered to immediately stop the purchase, manufacture, processing, storage, sale and distribution of food products. Officials also found dirty mop buckets kept near uncovered food. Ready-to-eat food and raw dough were allegedly kept in direct contact with printed newspapers. Inspectors found a faulty refrigerator with a mould-like layer, foul smell and live cockroaches. Standing water was found on the kitchen floor, while raw food items were allegedly in contact with a worker’s used jacket. The FDA initiated legal proceedings against six other Mumbai food businesses — QSR Brands India Pvt Ltd in Andheri East, Astra Corporation/Royal China in Fort, Tiffin restaurant in Bandra West, United Bakery & Stores in Santacruz West, Shree Padmavati Enterprises in Jogeshwari West and Hotel Purandar Vilas in Khar West.