MUMBAI Mumbai’s iconic eateries and food outlets have come under the scanner of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with licences suspended and closure orders issued after inspections found serious hygiene and food-safety violations.The action was part of a wider festive-season crackdown conducted between September 23 and 27. Across Maharashtra, the FDA suspended 30 food licences or registration certificates and seized 50,601.78 kg of food stock worth Rs 1.19 crore, according to the department.In Mumbai, the FDA took action against 13 establishments through licence suspensions, closure orders or legal proceedings.
Rats, cockroaches and sewage manhole at Kyani & Co
The food licence of Kyani & Co. in Kalbadevi was suspended after an inspection found multiple hygiene violations in its food preparation and storage areas.According to the FDA, inspectors found cats, rat droppings, live flies and dead cockroaches, besides a large amount of blood collected inside a refrigerator. An open sewage manhole was also found in the processing section.The establishment was ordered to immediately stop the purchase, manufacture, processing, storage, sale and distribution of food products.
Lizards, larvae found at Colaba Sweet Mart
The FDA also suspended the licence of Colaba Sweet Mart in Colaba Market after inspectors found live lizards, cockroaches, flies and larvae.Officials also found dirty mop buckets kept near uncovered food. Ready-to-eat food and raw dough were allegedly kept in direct contact with printed newspapers.The FDA said the establishment also lacked required pest-control measures, staff medical fitness records and personal protective equipment.
Subway outlet had faulty, mould-covered refrigerator
The licence of EverSub India Pvt Ltd, which operates a Subway outlet at Phoenix Mills in Lower Parel, was also suspended following a consumer complaint.Inspectors found a faulty refrigerator with a mould-like layer, foul smell and live cockroaches. Standing water was found on the kitchen floor, while raw food items were allegedly in contact with a worker’s used jacket.
Other Mumbai eateries facing action
The FDA also suspended the licence of Daffodils Fast Food Inn in Vile Parle (East) after finding extremely unhygienic conditions, including dirty refrigeration equipment, non-functional temperature displays and food stored alongside workers’ belongings. Officials also found staff sleeping in food-storage areas and coconuts being peeled inside a bathroom.At Arun Vilas Farsan in Dharavi, inspectors found rat infestation, gnawed and leaking food inventory, cobwebs and an absence of pest-control records.Ruchi Veg Restaurant in Parel also faced licence suspension over hygiene and sanitation violations.The FDA initiated legal proceedings against six other Mumbai food businesses — QSR Brands India Pvt Ltd in Andheri East, Astra Corporation/Royal China in Fort, Tiffin restaurant in Bandra West, United Bakery & Stores in Santacruz West, Shree Padmavati Enterprises in Jogeshwari West and Hotel Purandar Vilas in Khar West.
50,601 kg food stock seized across Maharashtra
The statewide crackdown extended beyond Mumbai. The FDA said it seized 50,601.78 kg of food products valued at about Rs 1.19 crore between September 23 and 27.The seized stock included products such as khoa, paneer, ghee, cream, sweets, shrikhand, lassi, coconut oil, farsan, wafers, spices, dry fruits, sauces and noodles. Some products were suspected to be substandard, adulterated, unsafe or incorrectly labelled.In a separate drive against banned food products, the FDA said Rs 30.63 lakh worth of banned stock was seized, 22 FIRs were registered, 30 people were arrested, three establishments were sealed and three vehicles worth Rs 14.80 lakh were seized.FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said strict legal action would continue against establishments found selling or storing expired, tampered with or unhygienically prepared food products.
