FDA action in Mumbai: 13 food outlets face licence suspension over hygiene lapses

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against 13 food establishments in Mumbai after inspections found alleged violations of food safety and hygiene rules. The action was part of a wider festive-season drive across the state between September 23 and 27.

Across Maharashtra, the FDA suspended licences or registration certificates of 30 establishments and seized 50.60 tonnes of food products worth around Rs 1.19 crore. The crackdown is being carried out under the department’s “Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra” campaign.

Kyani & Co, Colaba Sweet Mart among those facing action

Mumbai’s 122-year-old Irani cafe Kyani & Co in Kalbadevi was among the establishments where the FDA reported serious hygiene lapses. Inspectors allegedly found cats, rat droppings, live flies and dead cockroaches in food preparation and storage areas. Blood had also accumulated inside a refrigerator, while an open sewage manhole was found in the processing section.

The FDA also alleged that food was being kept directly on the floor and raw dough was placed on printed newspaper. The establishment’s licence was suspended and it was ordered to stop food-related activities.

At Colaba Sweet Mart, officials reportedly found live cockroaches, lizards, flies and larvae around food preparation and packaging areas. The FDA also cited uncovered food, inadequate pest-control measures, missing medical records for staff and a lack of protective equipment. Its licence was suspended.

Restaurants and food outlets also face action

Arun Vilas Farsan in Dharavi was pulled up over alleged rodent and insect infestation, poor storage, cobwebs and inadequate stock rotation. Ruchi Veg Restaurant in Parel also faced licence suspension over alleged hygiene and sanitation violations.

At Daffodils Fast Food Inn in Vile Parle, inspectors reportedly found dirty refrigeration equipment and unhygienic premises. The FDA also cited workers sleeping in a food storage area.

A Subway outlet operated by Eversub India Pvt. Ltd. in Lower Parel was inspected following a complaint. Officials reportedly found a faulty refrigerator with mould-like deposits, a foul smell, live cockroaches, water accumulation and poor segregation of food items.

Full list of Mumbai establishments facing action

Apart from the establishments where licences were suspended, the FDA initiated legal or enforcement proceedings against several other food businesses.

These include QSR Brands India Pvt. Ltd. in Andheri East, Astra Corporation (Royal China) in Fort, Tiffin in Bandra West, United Bakery & Stores in Santacruz West, Shree Padmavati Enterprises in Jogeshwari West and Hotel Purandar Vilas in Khar West.

S.S. Caterers in Chembur was ordered to stop operations immediately after the FDA found that it was allegedly operating without a valid food licence or registration and had failed to meet mandatory hygiene requirements.

The FDA said legal action was being taken against the establishments for alleged violations of prescribed food safety and sanitary standards.