The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against several food establishments linked to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and outlets operating on the ISKCON Juhu premises in Mumbai after inspections uncovered a range of food-safety and hygiene violations.
The inspections, carried out earlier this month, identified problems including poor sanitation, improper storage of food, pest-related issues, clogged drainage systems, inadequate testing of food and water, and missing records relating to staff health and food-safety training.
Licence suspended at Kurla establishment
Among the five IRCTC-linked establishments inspected in Mumbai and Thane, the FDA has suspended the licence of RK Associates & Hoteliers Pvt Ltd in Kurla West with effect from September 8. The suspension will remain in force until further orders.
FDA officials first inspected the establishment on September 2 and later carried out a re-inspection. According to the department, serious deficiencies were still present during the subsequent inspection, prompting the suspension of its licence.
Four other establishments associated with IRCTC have been issued improvement notices. These include Om Sai Ram Enterprises and Ambuj Hotels & Real Estate Pvt Ltd in Chembur, Express Food Services in Powai and Araha Hospitality Pvt Ltd in Kopri Colony, Thane East.
The notices require the establishments to address the deficiencies identified during the inspections and bring their operations into compliance with food-safety requirements.
ISKCON Juhu outlets face action
The FDA's action at ISKCON Juhu followed inspections conducted on September 3, when officials found several violations across food establishments operating on the premises. Licences of three establishments were suspended following the inspections.
Inspectors reported shortcomings in the testing of food and drinking water, along with concerns over the storage and segregation of raw and cooked food. Water accumulation, blocked drains and pest-related problems were also among the issues identified.
At one restaurant, officials reportedly found pest droppings in a storeroom. The rear entrance to the kitchen was also found to be open, potentially providing a route for pests to enter the food-preparation area.
Food handlers at the establishment were found without the prescribed protective clothing. The inspectors also reported that documents relating to employees' medical examinations, vaccinations and food-safety training were not available.
Govindas Restaurant among establishments flagged
Govindas Restaurant was also found to have several deficiencies during the FDA inspection. Officials raised concerns over checks of incoming raw materials, the segregation of food and drainage arrangements.
The restaurant was also found to have shortcomings in its pest-control measures. Records concerning the medical fitness of staff and their food-safety training were reportedly incomplete or unavailable.
The latest action covers establishments that serve food to substantial numbers of people. IRCTC-linked kitchens and food outlets cater to railway passengers, while the food establishments at ISKCON Juhu serve visitors to the religious complex.
The FDA's action underscores that requirements relating to hygiene, food storage, pest control, testing and staff safety records are mandatory safeguards rather than merely administrative requirements.
The establishments facing suspensions will have to rectify the deficiencies identified by the regulator before they can resume operations, while those served improvement notices will be expected to take corrective measures and comply with the prescribed food-safety standards.