The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken stringent action against several prominent food establishments, including a McDonald's outlet in south Mumbai and the historic Bombay Presidency Radio Club, suspending their food business licenses due to serious violations of food safety and hygiene norms. This crackdown, part of a special drive initiated after IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe assumed charge as FDA commissioner in May, saw a total of 13 establishments lose their operating permits.
During a recent inspection drive, the FDA examined 89 hotels, restaurants, and dhabas across Maharashtra. While 71 of these received improvement notices, 13 faced immediate license suspensions, underscoring the authority's intensified focus on public health and safety.
Bombay Presidency Radio Club Cited for Major Non-Compliance
An inspection conducted at the Bombay Presidency Radio Club on August 19 revealed a significant 47% non-compliance rate with food safety regulations. Inspectors reported finding numerous live flies and dead cockroaches within the kitchen premises, along with peeling paint and plaster directly above food preparation areas. Chemical cleaning agents, including washing powder, were stored dangerously close to food items, and food was observed being kept directly on the floor. Furthermore, refrigerators designated for non-vegetarian food were found to be unclean, and improper thawing practices were noted. The FDA also highlighted an inadequately sealed kitchen door, garbage bins positioned near cooking stoves, and visible spitting marks on the premises, leading to the club being ordered to cease all food-related activities during the suspension period.
McDonald's Outlet Fails Re-Inspection
Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd's McDonald's Family Restaurant kiosk located at Metro House in Colaba also had its FSSAI license suspended immediately. A re-inspection on August 19 found that 18 out of 20 deficiencies identified in an earlier improvement notice remained unaddressed. Among the critical issues cited were uncalibrated refrigeration equipment, the presence of live cockroaches, and a complete lack of pest traps. Inspectors also observed rotting food waste on the kitchen floor, dirty cleaning cloths, and dust-covered light fixtures without protective shields. Alarmingly, employees were reportedly seen handling ready-to-eat food without proper handwashing after touching dirty footwear and soiled cleaning cloths.
In response, McDonald's stated its commitment to rigorous food safety standards and a zero-tolerance approach to such issues. The company acknowledged the regulatory process and confirmed it was reviewing the FDA's observations, reiterating its policy of using real cheese and paneer and welcoming customers for kitchen tours.
Other Establishments Face Action Across Maharashtra
The FDA's comprehensive crackdown extended beyond Mumbai, impacting several other establishments across the state:
- Novaara Restaurant: Operated by Ingenious Kitchens Pvt Ltd, this restaurant lost its license after 14 of 25 serious deficiencies remained unresolved during a re-inspection. Issues included outdated kitchen equipment, insufficient pest control, and incomplete medical records for food handlers.
- Status Restaurant: Located at Nariman Point, this establishment faced immediate suspension following a customer complaint. Violations included an employee washing his face over clean utensils, incomplete protective equipment, dirty crockery, stagnant water, and accumulated grease, rust, and food waste.
- Khar Gymkhana: Cited for poor storage and cleanliness, inadequate segregation of raw and prepared food, lack of hot water, and improper thawing of frozen food.
- Bajrang Sweet Mart in Santacruz West and ASM Hotels and Hospitality Services in Andheri West also had their licenses suspended.
The enforcement drive reached cities like Nagpur, Nashik, Amravati, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Parbhani, where numerous other food establishments faced license suspensions due to alleged sanitation and food safety violations, signaling a broader commitment by the Maharashtra FDA to uphold public health standards.