Mumbai FDA Suspends Licences of 4 Food Establishments

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of four food establishments in Mumbai for violating food safety and hygiene norms. The establishments include Cafe Mondegar in Colaba and Maharashtra Biryani Center in Kandivali East.

The FDA inspections found temperature-control failures, poor sanitation, inadequate drainage, and other violations prescribed under Schedule 4 of food safety regulations. At Cafe Mondegar, an inspection on September 12 found that hot food was not being maintained at the required temperature of above 60°C, while cold storage was not maintained below 5°C.

Inspectors also found improper thawing of food items and failure to rapidly cool cooked food as required under food safety norms. The inspection further revealed structural and hygiene deficiencies, including dampness-damaged flooring and inadequate drainage near the food preparation area, posing a risk of cross-contamination.

Maharashtra Biryani Center in Kandivali East faced licence suspension after FDA inspectors found violations of prescribed food safety and hygiene norms. The FDA also suspended the licence of Tribhuvan Dairy Farm in Ghatkopar West and Mahavir Cashew & Foods Pvt Ltd in Ghatkopar East for similar violations.

As part of its festival food safety drive, the FDA inspected 38 food establishments across Greater Mumbai and collected 47 samples of milk, khoya, ghee, sweets, and other food products for analysis. Officials seized 248 kg of food products worth Rs 66,740 from two establishments, including 225 kg of khoya and 23 kg of burfi.

Licences of nine establishments were suspended for violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, while another establishment was fined Rs 20,000. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the department would remain strict on food quality and enforcement of the law in Maharashtra.

The FDA's crackdown on food establishments is a significant step towards ensuring the health and safety of consumers in Mumbai. With the festival season approaching, the FDA's efforts to monitor food quality and enforce strict action against violators are crucial.

The suspension of licences of prominent food establishments like Cafe Mondegar and Maharashtra Biryani Center serves as a warning to other establishments to adhere to food safety and hygiene norms. The FDA's actions demonstrate its commitment to protecting the health and well-being of consumers in Mumbai.

In conclusion, the Mumbai FDA's suspension of licences of four food establishments is a significant step towards ensuring food safety and hygiene in the city. The FDA's efforts to monitor food quality and enforce strict action against violators are essential to protecting the health and well-being of consumers in Mumbai.

The FDA's festival food safety drive is also a timely initiative, given the approaching festival season. The drive aims to ensure that food establishments adhere to food safety and hygiene norms, thereby protecting consumers from the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Overall, the Mumbai FDA's actions demonstrate its commitment to ensuring food safety and hygiene in the city. Consumers can expect a safer and healthier food experience, thanks to the FDA's efforts to monitor and enforce food safety norms.