Mumbai: The FDA has suspended the licence of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) Kurla base kitchen after finding cockroaches in food storage and processing areas, uncovered food, poor kitchen infrastructure and lapses in staff hygiene.The FDA inspected five IRCTC base kitchens and food plazas that supply food to railway passengers in Mumbai. While the licence of RK Associates Hoteliers Pvt Ltd in Kurla (W) was suspended, four other establishments were issued amendment notices.The Kurla kitchen scored 78 out of 114 (69%) during an inspection on Sept 2, said an FDA release. Officials found cockroaches in food storage and processing areas, food being prepared near open garbage, 17 broken floor tiles and food being processed near LPG cylinders. Utensils and food-contact equipment were also found unclean and, in some cases, rusty.Of 34 food handlers, only 21 had medical fitness certificates available. One worker was found handling food despite having a wound on his finger.IRCTC said corrective measures had been completed at the Kurla kitchen and operations would resume on Wednesday. Corrective measures at the remaining locations are in progress, a spokesperson said.FDA also suspended or recommended action against six other food establishments, including Drogheria Sellers Pvt Ltd (Zepto) in Malad (West) and Mateshwari Milk in Kharghar.
