Maharashtra FDA Suspends Ayub's Licence Over Food Safety Violations

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licence of Ayub's, a food establishment in Fort, Mumbai, due to serious and widespread violations of food safety and hygiene norms. The action was taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, after an inspection on August 22 found several lapses, including improper storage of eggs and other high-risk food items at room temperature.

The inspection, conducted under the guidance of Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, also found poor hygiene in food-handling areas, open and poorly maintained drains, stagnant water, houseflies, and inadequate pest-control measures. Additionally, the establishment lacked adequate personal hygiene facilities for food handlers and had deficiencies in food testing and traceability records.

The FDA said the combination of these violations indicated serious deficiencies in the establishment's basic food safety control system, potentially increasing the risk of microbial contamination, cross-contamination, and food-borne illnesses. As a result, the FSSAI licence of Ayub's was suspended with effect from August 23.

In a separate action, the FDA found serious hygiene and food-safety violations at Sankalp Mahila Audyogik Utpadak Sahakari Society Limited's Mid-Day Meal Canteen in Kurla West during an inspection on August 21, 2026. The establishment scored just 53 out of 112 marks (48%) and was classified as 'Non-Compliance'. Inspectors found poor housekeeping, dirt and food residue, unhygienic walls and fittings, cracked flooring with stagnant water, inadequate pest-exclusion measures, and no records of periodic drinking-water testing as per IS 10500 standards.

The FDA suspended with immediate effect the food business licence of the canteen. The FDA stated that further legal and administrative action against the establishments will be taken as per the applicable provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act and regulations.

The suspension of Ayub's licence and the penalisation of the Kurla canteen are part of the FDA's efforts to ensure food safety and hygiene in the state. The FDA has been conducting regular inspections of food establishments to identify and address violations of food safety norms.

The actions taken by the FDA are significant, as they highlight the importance of food safety and hygiene in preventing food-borne illnesses. The FDA's efforts are crucial in protecting the health and well-being of consumers in Maharashtra.

In recent years, there have been several instances of food establishments being penalised for violating food safety norms. The FDA's actions demonstrate its commitment to ensuring that food establishments in the state adhere to strict food safety and hygiene standards.

The suspension of Ayub's licence and the penalisation of the Kurla canteen serve as a reminder to food establishments in Maharashtra to prioritize food safety and hygiene. The FDA's efforts are essential in maintaining the trust of consumers in the state's food industry.

In conclusion, the Maharashtra FDA's suspension of Ayub's licence and the penalisation of the Kurla canteen are significant steps in ensuring food safety and hygiene in the state. The FDA's actions demonstrate its commitment to protecting the health and well-being of consumers in Maharashtra.