The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated a significant food safety crackdown across Mumbai, leading to the closure of two hostel canteens at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-Bombay) campus in Powai. The canteens were found to be operating without the mandatory food licences or registrations required under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Widespread Enforcement Targets Restaurants and Clubs
In addition to the IIT-Bombay closures, the FDA suspended the food business licence of Eat Nino (Nino's Burger) in Dadar. Inspectors cited severe hygiene and sanitation violations at the establishment, including insect infestation, poor personal hygiene among food handlers, inadequate cleaning, and a failure to conduct mandatory food and water testing.
This enforcement forms part of a broader inspection drive conducted on July 27, 2026, across Greater Mumbai. During this special operation, seven food establishments, including several prominent clubs, faced scrutiny. The licences of five establishments were suspended, one received a cease operations notice, and another was issued an improvement notice.
Major Clubs Cited for Hygiene Lapses
The five clubs whose food licences were suspended include:
- The Cricket Club of India Ltd
- RK Juhu Gymkhana
- The Aparna Juhu Gymkhana
- MIG Cricket Club in Bandra East
- The Willingdon Sports Club
FDA officials reported a range of critical deficiencies at these venues. At The Cricket Club of India Ltd, findings included cockroach and fly infestations, mouldy vegetables, expired food items, dripping condensation in cold rooms, and clogged drains. RK Juhu Gymkhana was cited for poor drainage and deteriorating infrastructure, while The Aparna Juhu Gymkhana faced allegations of rusted equipment and insect infestation.
The Willingdon Sports Club saw inspectors identify damaged ceilings, unclean floors, and outdated food and water testing reports. At MIG Cricket Club, an unauthorised catering service was found operating without a valid FSSAI licence, alongside pest infestation and missing health records for staff.
Conditions for Reopening
The FDA has stated that all affected establishments must rectify the identified deficiencies and fully comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act before their operations can resume or their licences are restored. This crackdown underscores the regulator's commitment to ensuring public health and safety standards across Mumbai's food service industry.