Mumbai FDA Suspends 6 Food Outlets Over Safety Violations

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of six food establishments in Mumbai, including the prestigious Bombay Presidency Radio Club and Khar Gymkhana. The action was taken after inspections found serious violations of food safety and hygiene norms.

The inspections, conducted on August 19 and 20, exposed a range of deficiencies, including pest infestation, poor hygiene, cross-contamination risks, improper food storage, and inadequate temperature controls. The establishments that had their licences suspended include a McDonald's outlet in Colaba, Novaara in Malad, Status Restaurant at Nariman Point, and Bajrang Sweet Mart in Santacruz West.

At the Bombay Presidency Radio Club, an inspection found active fly infestation in kitchen areas, a dead cockroach, and cockroach traps near utensil-washing areas. Flaking ceiling plaster was found directly over food preparation areas, while washing powder and chemicals were stored alongside food. Utensils and food were also kept directly on the floor, with the establishment recording a 47% non-compliance rate.

Khar Gymkhana faced action over storage and food handling issues, including inadequate storage facilities, poor cleanliness of the food preparation area, and lack of segregation between raw and cooked as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The establishment was also not following FIFO/FEFO systems, regular oil-quality checks, and prescribed temperature-control practices.

The FDA also suspended the licence of a McDonald's kiosk at Metro House, Colaba, after a reinspection found that 18 of 20 deficiencies pointed out earlier remained unresolved. Inspectors reported cockroach activity, rotting food waste, uncalibrated refrigeration equipment, and poor hygiene practices.

Novaara in Malad faced action over unresolved improvement notice violations, including the continued use of old cooking equipment, absence of grease and cockroach traps, missing medical examination records of food handlers, and lack of mandatory FoSTaC training certificates.

The suspensions were made under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the establishments have been ordered to stop food purchase, sale, and distribution during the suspension period. The FDA's action is aimed at ensuring that food establishments in Mumbai maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene.

The suspensions are a significant step towards protecting the health and well-being of consumers in Mumbai. The FDA's inspections and enforcement actions will help to prevent foodborne illnesses and promote a culture of food safety in the city.

The incident highlights the importance of regular inspections and monitoring of food establishments to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene norms. It also underscores the need for food establishments to prioritize food safety and hygiene in their operations.

In conclusion, the suspension of licences of six food establishments in Mumbai is a significant development that underscores the FDA's commitment to ensuring food safety and hygiene in the city. The action will help to protect consumers and promote a culture of food safety in Mumbai.