India
Mumbai Food Safety Crackdown: Licences Suspended for IRCTC Supplier, ISKCON Outlets and Others
By PTI
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of several establishments in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, including an IRCTC-linked supplier and three ISKCON-affiliated eateries, following inspections that revealed multiple hygiene and safety violations.
The licence of R.K. Associates & Hoteliers, a supplier based in Kurla West with IRCTC links, was suspended after an inspection on September 2 uncovered cockroaches in storage and processing areas, uncovered food, food preparation near open garbage, damaged floor tiles, and cracked wall surfaces. Inspectors also noted personal hygiene lapses, including an employee with an injured finger handling food. Of the 34 food handlers at the site, only 21 could produce valid medical fitness certificates.
This action is part of a broader statewide crackdown on food safety violations initiated after IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe assumed charge as FDA Commissioner in May.
On September 3, inspections were conducted at three establishments run by ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) at Hare Krishna Land, Juhu. One establishment was found to have inadequate water-testing records, improper raw material checks, poor temperature and humidity control for food storage, and risks of cross-contamination and pest infestation due to improper storage of food and non-food items. Measuring devices were also found uncalibrated. The FDA suspended its licence on September 7 after reviewing inspection reports and photographic evidence.
Another ISKCON food services restaurant in Juhu was found to have an open rear kitchen entrance without pest-control measures, missing laboratory testing records, inadequate lighting, and lapses in raw material inspection, cleaning, and staff medical and vaccination records. Clogged drains containing food waste and pest droppings were also reported.
The third establishment, ISKCON Govindas Restaurant, was cited for deficiencies in food and water testing, raw material handling, cleaning, drainage, pest control, equipment calibration, and staff hygiene training. Its licence was suspended with immediate effect on September 7.
In a separate case, FDA inspectors recommended suspension of the licence of Bombay's — The Food Fusion Cafe in Ghatkopar after finding uncovered rice, raw chicken stored in open containers, improperly sealed vegetables, inadequate refrigeration, poor drainage, and missing records for water testing, staff medical exams, and vaccinations.
Authorities also recommended cancelling the registration of Shree Madhuram in Borivali East, which was registered as a mobile food vendor but was found operating as a full-service restaurant. Inspectors reported flies, rotten vegetables, stagnant water, poor drainage, and missing safety documentation.
Additionally, the FDA suspended the licences of Kothari Sweet and Mulund Farsan Mart in Mulund West, and Maharashtra Biryani Center in Goregaon East.
In Navi Mumbai, the FDA suspended the licence of Mateshwari Milk in Kharghar after an inspection on September 1 revealed the firm was selling milk falsely marketed as pasteurized despite lacking pasteurization equipment. The FDA also found that loose toned milk was being sold as cow milk, while loose standardized milk was falsely labeled as buffalo milk. The facility failed to meet basic hygiene and quality control standards, according to the FDA release.