Pune FDA Suspends 16 Establishments Over Unhygienic Conditions

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Pune has suspended the licences and registrations of 16 establishments, including hotels, restaurants, e-commerce and dairy businesses, after finding unhygienic conditions and violations of food safety standards during a special inspection drive.

The drive, conducted between August 11 and 14, was part of the ‘Safe Food, Safe Drug Safe Maharashtra’ campaign. The establishments that faced action include nine hotels and restaurants, four e-commerce establishments and three dairy businesses across Pune, Satara, Kolhapur and Sangli.

Some of the notable establishments that faced action include Hotel Sayaji in Lonavala, Simply South in Bhosari, JBM Hospitality’s canteen in Wanwadi, Burger King at Camp, Domino’s Pizza in Karad, Pizza Hut in Karad, Zepto in Lohegaon and two Blinkit facilities in Pune. The FDA also acted against three dairy establishments.

According to Digambar Bhogawade, Joint Commissioner (Food), FDA Pune, the inspections were aimed at checking whether food businesses were maintaining basic hygiene and complying with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act. During the inspections, the FDA found several places where basic hygiene requirements were not being properly maintained.

Photographs from the inspections show food preparation areas with heavy grease and dirt deposits, unclean cooking equipment and utensils, and food materials being stored in unsuitable conditions. In some places, oil containers and other materials were kept close to dirty or poorly maintained areas, which can increase the risk of contamination.

The FDA said establishments found violating hygiene requirements would face action under food safety laws. Bhogawade added that the department is set to take action against establishments selling high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt (HFSS) products within a 50-metre radius of schools from August 15.

The action taken by the FDA is a step towards ensuring that food establishments in Pune and surrounding areas maintain proper hygiene and food safety standards. This is crucial for protecting the health and well-being of consumers.

The ‘Safe Food, Safe Drug Safe Maharashtra’ campaign is an initiative by the FDA to ensure that food and drug establishments in the state comply with safety standards. The campaign includes regular inspections and raids on establishments that violate safety norms.

In recent times, there have been several instances of food establishments being found guilty of violating safety norms. The FDA has been taking strict action against such establishments, including suspending their licences and registrations.

The suspension of licences and registrations of 16 establishments in Pune is a significant step towards ensuring that food safety standards are maintained in the city. It is expected that this action will serve as a deterrent to other establishments that violate safety norms.

In conclusion, the FDA’s action against 16 establishments in Pune is a welcome move towards ensuring food safety in the city. It is essential that food establishments maintain proper hygiene and safety standards to protect the health and well-being of consumers.

The FDA’s initiative is a step in the right direction, and it is expected that the department will continue to take strict action against establishments that violate safety norms. This will help to create a safe and healthy food environment in Pune and surrounding areas.