The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of seven eateries across Mumbai after inspections found multiple food safety and hygiene violations, including pest infestations, poor storage practices and inadequate sanitisation.
The action taken on Friday covers establishments including the Bombay Presidency Radio Club in Colaba, McDonald's in Colaba, Status Restaurant at Nariman Point and Khar Gymkhana. The FDA has also taken action against eateries in Malad, Santacruz and Andheri.
Cockroaches, flies found at Radio Club
An inspection of the Bombay Presidency Radio Club on August 19 found live flies in the kitchen, along with dead cockroaches and improperly placed cockroach traps.
The inspection also found deteriorating ceiling paint and plaster hanging over areas where food was being prepared, raising the possibility of contamination. Cleaning chemicals and employees' clothes were stored close to food and utensils, while refrigerators used for non-vegetarian food were found to be unclean.
The FDA also flagged improper thawing practices, poorly sealed kitchen doors that could allow pests to enter and garbage bins placed close to cooking stoves.
McDonald's failed to fix earlier violations
The licence of the Colaba McDonald's outlet, operated by Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd, was suspended after the FDA found that violations mentioned in earlier improvement notices had not been rectified.
Inspectors found live cockroaches, inadequate pest traps, uncalibrated refrigeration equipment and decomposing food waste near food storage areas. Unclean cloths were also being used for mopping.
Employees were found handling ready-to-eat food without washing their hands after handling soiled footwear and dirty mops.
The FDA also flagged the use of processed non-dairy or analogue ingredients without clearly declaring them on menu cards or display boards. It said this raised concerns over misbranding and misleading trade practices.
Status Restaurant, Khar Gymkhana also face action
At Status Restaurant in Nariman Point, inspectors found unclean cutlery, stagnant water, heavy grease deposits, rusted vessels and food waste in food-handling areas.
The restaurant also lacked adequate temperature-monitoring records and equipment. Raw and cooked food, as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, were not sufficiently separated. Food was also stored near hazardous chemicals.
At Khar Gymkhana, the FDA found inadequate storage and poor segregation of food, chemicals and other materials. The premises also lacked proper sanitisation practices and hot water for washing vessels, while frozen food was not being thawed hygienically.
Other eateries face punitive action
Novaara in Malad West, Bajrang Sweets in Santacruz West and ASM Hotels and Hospitality Services in Andheri West were among the other establishments facing action.
The FDA also seized food products worth ₹56,220 from Dharavi-based savoury manufacturer Selvapathi Traders over labelling deficiencies.