Mumbai FDA Suspends 3 Food Licences Over Hygiene Lapses

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of three establishments in Mumbai and its surrounding areas.

The establishments in question are Hotel Radha in Malad, Janata Tawa & Grill in Kurla, and the canteen at Saraswati College of Engineering in Kharghar.

Inspections conducted by the FDA found serious food safety and hygiene violations at these establishments, including rat and cockroach infestation, improper food storage, and inadequate pest-control measures.

At Hotel Radha in Malad West, food safety officials found live rats inside the kitchen, including one entering through an open drainage line. Live cockroaches were also found on food-processing equipment.

The hotel was found to have open and unhygienic drainage, water stagnation, grease accumulation, and leakage, creating a foul and unhygienic environment.

The food licence of Hotel Radha was suspended under Section 32(3) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the hotel was directed to stop food production, storage, sale, and distribution.

At Janata Tawa & Grill in Kurla West, an inspection revealed improper storage of raw meat and poultry, inadequate temperature-controlled storage, and poor segregation of food items.

Food-contact equipment and utensils were found covered with grease, food residue, and carbon deposits. The establishment also lacked records of laboratory testing of food and water.

The FSSAI licence of Janata Tawa & Grill was subsequently suspended.

The FDA also suspended the licence of Siddhivinayak Enterprises, which operates the canteen at Saraswati College of Engineering in Kharghar.

The establishment was registered as a food vending unit but was found operating as a canteen. Officials noted inadequate pest-control measures, including the absence of insect killers, rodent traps, and insect-proof screens.

The exhaust system was non-functional, while food and water testing, record-keeping, and maintenance were also found inadequate.

The FDA warned that strict action would continue against establishments found violating food safety and hygiene norms.

Food establishments would be required to rectify the violations and comply with prescribed food safety standards before further action is considered.

This move by the FDA is a step towards ensuring that food establishments in Mumbai and its surrounding areas maintain proper hygiene and safety standards.

It is essential for consumers to be aware of the food safety and hygiene standards of the establishments they frequent.

The FDA's actions will help to protect the health and well-being of consumers in the region.

The suspension of these licences highlights the importance of regular inspections and monitoring of food establishments to prevent food-borne illnesses.

In conclusion, the FDA's decision to suspend the licences of these three establishments is a significant step towards maintaining food safety and hygiene standards in Mumbai and its surrounding areas.

It serves as a reminder to all food establishments to prioritize the health and well-being of their customers by maintaining proper hygiene and safety standards.