Mumbai FDA Suspends Licenses of ISKCON, IRCTC-Linked Food Establishments

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against several food establishments in Mumbai, including those linked to IRCTC and ISKCON Juhu, for violating food safety norms. The FDA inspected five food establishments linked to IRCTC and suspended the license of R.K. Associates & Hoteliers Pvt Ltd in Kurla West for scoring 69% in the inspection.

The inspection found several lapses, including cockroaches, uncovered food, and poor hygiene. The establishment also lacked medical fitness certificates for food handlers and had deficiencies in LPG safety, food transport, and maintenance of mandatory records. Four other establishments linked to IRCTC were issued improvement notices.

The FDA also suspended the licenses of three ISKCON Juhu establishments for multiple food safety violations. The main unit had deficiencies in water testing, raw-material checks, storage, cleaning, pest control, staff records, and equipment calibration. ISKCON Food Services Restaurant had an open kitchen, pest infestation, poor hygiene, and clogged drains. Govindas Restaurant lacked water testing, supplier records, and FIFO/FEFO systems, with cross-contamination, cleaning, and pest-control concerns.

In addition to these establishments, the FDA also took action against other facilities, including Drogheria Sellers Pvt Ltd, associated with Zepto in Malad West, for cockroach infestation and cold-chain violations. The FDA suspended the license of The Food Fusion Cafe in Ghatkopar, which scored 51 out of 98 marks, and recommended suspension of Shree Madhuram in Borivali East, allegedly operating as a restaurant despite being registered as a hawker.

The FDA also suspended the licenses of several sweet shops and a milk unit for hygiene, pest-control, temperature, and documentation violations. These establishments include Kothari Sweet, Mulund Farsan Mart, and Maharashtra Biryani Center. Mateshwari Milk, Kharghar, was also suspended for temperature-monitoring, calibration, hygiene, and pest-control lapses.

The FDA's crackdown on food safety violations is part of its efforts to ensure that food establishments in Mumbai maintain high standards of hygiene and safety. The action taken against these establishments is expected to improve food safety in the city and protect consumers from the risk of foodborne illnesses.

The FDA's inspection found that many of these establishments had poor hygiene and sanitation, with cockroaches, flies, and other pests found in the premises. The establishments also had inadequate refrigeration, dirty floors and drains, and missing water-testing, training, laboratory, and vendor records.

The FDA's action is a significant step towards ensuring that food establishments in Mumbai maintain high standards of hygiene and safety. The FDA will continue to monitor these establishments and take action against those that fail to comply with food safety norms.

The action taken by the FDA is expected to have a positive impact on the food industry in Mumbai, with consumers benefiting from improved food safety and hygiene. The FDA's efforts will also help to boost the reputation of Mumbai as a city with high standards of food safety and hygiene.

In conclusion, the FDA's crackdown on food safety violations is a welcome step towards improving food safety in Mumbai. The action taken against these establishments will help to protect consumers from the risk of foodborne illnesses and improve the overall standards of hygiene and safety in the food industry.