Pune FDA Suspends 12 Licences Over Hygiene Violations

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Pune has taken strict action against 12 hotels, restaurants, and bakeries in the Pune division, suspending their licences due to serious violations of food safety and hygiene rules. The action was taken after FDA teams conducted a special inspection drive on July 18 and 21, where they found unhygienic kitchens, expired food items, poor food-handling practices, and violations of sanitation standards.

The suspended establishments include 10 in Pune district and 2 in Satara district. In Pune district, the establishments that have been suspended are Joker Hospitality in Balewadi, Red and Huge in Kalyani Nagar, Toni Da Dhaba in Naigaon Kamshet in Maval, Hotel Lokpriya in Market Yard, Fountain Pure Veg in Ale Phata, K.M. Foods in Bhamburwadi in Khed, Aqsa Bakery in Adarsh Nagar in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Jai Sadguru Irani Chai and Snacks Centre in Market Yard, Phoklo Technology Pvt. Ltd. and Swinsta Ent Pvt. Ltd. in Bavdhan.

In Satara district, the action was taken against Shalimar Udupi Veg Restaurant and Surbhi Hotel and Bar, both located in Vaduj in Khatav taluka. The inspection drive covered Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maval, Junnar, Khed, and Vaduj in the Satara district.

The FDA also carried out separate action between July 16 and 21 at three establishments in Chinchwad, Pandharpur, and Vaduj, where they seized banned food items worth ₹3.48 lakh. Cases were registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and five people were arrested.

The FDA has directed all hotel, restaurant, and bakery operators to strictly follow the Food Safety Act, which includes providing free safe drinking water to customers, using food-grade packaging materials, obtaining valid licences before operating, avoiding reusing cooking oil, and not giving misleading information on menu cards.

The FDA has also appealed to the public to report complaints related to food quality or hygiene by calling its toll-free helpline at 1800222365. In a separate incident, the FDA has suspended the licence of the canteen at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters in Mumbai due to repeated complaints about unhygienic conditions.

The suspension of licences is a significant step towards ensuring food safety and hygiene in the Pune division. The FDA's action is expected to send a strong message to food establishments to adhere to the rules and regulations. The public can play a crucial role in reporting complaints and helping the FDA to take action against erring establishments.

The FDA's crackdown on food establishments is part of a larger effort to improve food safety and hygiene in the state. The department has been conducting regular inspections and taking action against establishments that violate the rules. The public can expect to see more such actions in the future as the FDA continues to prioritize food safety and hygiene.

In conclusion, the suspension of licences of 12 hotels, restaurants, and bakeries in the Pune division is a significant step towards ensuring food safety and hygiene. The FDA's action is expected to have a positive impact on the food industry and to protect the health and well-being of consumers.

The FDA's efforts to improve food safety and hygiene are crucial for the well-being of citizens. The department's actions are a reminder that food safety is a top priority, and establishments that violate the rules will face consequences. As the FDA continues to work towards improving food safety and hygiene, citizens can expect to see a positive impact on the food industry and on their overall health and well-being.