Pune: In a recent crackdown on food safety violations, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended licenses of five food establishments with immediate effect in the Pune division due to serious breaches of hygiene and health norms.The inspection teams found violations of norms prescribed under the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.The action was taken after officials found violations under Schedule 4, Part II, of the regulations. This particular clause lays down mandatory sanitary and hygienic requirements for food business operators. According to the FDA, the establishments failed to comply with basic cleanliness standards during inspections conducted across the division.These five outlets are located in Kurundwad in the Kolhapur district, Shivare in the Bhor taluka of the Pune district and Warje in Pune city.A statement issued by FDA read that the suspensions were ordered in view of the serious hygiene deficiencies observed during the inspections and in accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the associated licensing and registration rules.The FDA said the move was necessary to ensure that food served to the public meets mandatory safety standards. The department has said it would continue surprise inspections in Pune and adjoining districts, particularly at restaurants, tea stalls, snack centres and small food vendors catering daily to large numbers of consumers.It said food business operators are expected to maintain proper cleanliness, pest control, waste disposal, safe water usage and personal hygiene standards at all times.The FDA warned that any establishment found violating the regulations may face strict action, including suspension or cancellation of licences, to protect public health and prevent food-borne illnesses.
