FDA suspends 199 eatery licences in three months; Pune records most violations

Cockroach-infested kitchens, uncovered raw meat, dirty utensils and serious cold-chain violations have been detected during an intensified food-safety crackdown in Maharashtra, prompting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to suspend 199 licences after inspecting more than 1,800 hotels, clubs and dhabas over the past three months, officials said on Friday.

The inspections uncovered a range of hygiene and food-handling violations, from improperly stored chicken and vegetables to inadequate drainage, incorrect refrigerator temperatures and absence of clean water facilities. Authorities also issued 948 improvement notices for critical sanitation and cold-chain deficiencies as part of the enforcement drive.

Pune records highest suspensions

Pune division emerged as a major centre of enforcement, recording the highest number of licence suspensions during the statewide drive. According to broader region-wise enforcement data released by the FDA for the period between May 25 and August 31, Pune recorded 4,261 inspections and 168 suspensions.

Konkan recorded 3,142 inspections and 108 suspensions, while Greater Mumbai registered 1,451 inspections and 121 suspensions. Nashik saw 1,356 inspections and 56 suspensions, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar 1,173 inspections and 61 suspensions, Amravati 989 inspections and 45 suspensions, and Nagpur 711 inspections and 44 suspensions.

The broader figures include en