The FDA's action has exposed many reputable food plazas and base kitchens in Maharashtra. Interestingly, the licenses of approximately six companies, from IRCTC kitchens to Zepto, have been suspended in no time.
Maharashtra FDA inspections: Licenses of 6 companies suspended
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken major action regarding food safety in Mumbai. The licenses of six establishments in Mumbai have been suspended after negligence was found in food quality and hygiene regulations. This includes Zepto's Malad campus. Action has also been taken against 12 establishments in Pune.
According to a press note issued by the Maharashtra FDA on September 8, officials inspected various food establishments. During the inspections, serious deficiencies were found in several locations related to cleanliness, food handling, temperature control, and employee hygiene.
IRCTC's base
kitchens and food plazas, which serve meals to rail passengers, have also come under FDA scrutiny. A total of five establishments were inspected. Of these, the food license of R.K. Associates & Hoteliers Private Limited, located in Kurla West, was suspended, while improvement notices were issued to four establishments.
During the inspection, deficiencies were found in the Kurla base kitchen, including the presence of cockroaches, food stored in the open, food preparation near open garbage, and poor kitchen conditions. This means that hygiene rules were not being followed at the very place where food was prepared and delivered to passengers.
The FDA also found serious deficiencies
at the premises of Drogheria Sellers Pvt. Ltd. (Zepto) in Malad West. The inspection revealed a large number of cockroaches, a poor cold chain, dirty drainage, and deficiencies in employee personal hygiene.
The most significant discrepancy was found in the temperature of perishable foods. Products like milk, cheese, and yogurt were stored at 14-15 degrees Celsius, when they should be kept between 2 and 6 degrees Celsius. Following this, the FDA immediately suspended the license for the Zepto premises and also prohibited the sale, storage, distribution, and fulfillment of online orders.
Mateshwari Milk's license suspended.
An inspection at Mateshwari Milk, located in Kharghar, also revealed several deficiencies. Rules regarding milk temperature control, cleanliness, pest control, and medical checkups of employees were found to be uncompliant.
According to the FDA, discrepancies were found between the details provided to customers and the information on the milk tanks. Furthermore, it was discovered that pasteurized milk was being supplied despite the lack of pasteurization facilities. A hearing was held on September 7th, following which the license was suspended.
ISKCON Juhu:
Three food units at the ISKCON Juhu campus also escaped FDA action. Records of regular water quality testing were found missing.
Additionally, raw and prepared food was improperly stored. The inspection also revealed pest infestations, inadequate sanitation, and a lack of records regarding employee medical checkups and training. Following these deficiencies, the licenses of all three food facilities were suspended.
The FDA has also taken
action against several other food establishments in Mumbai. Bombay's The Food Fusion Cafe's license has been recommended for suspension. Shree Madhuram, located in Borivali East, has also been recommended for suspension of its registration certificate.
Additionally, Kothari Sweets and Shri Mulund Farsan Mart were found to have several deficiencies, including operating production units without valid production licenses. Their licenses have also been suspended. The license of Maharashtra Biryani Center, Goregaon East, has also been suspended effective September 8.
The FDA also took action regarding food safety in
the Pune region. Action was taken against a total of 12 establishments. Among them, Adhiti Veg was ordered to close after being found operating without a valid food license.
The licenses of 11 establishments including Kaka Vada Pav, Crystal Gourmet, Gurukripa Chicken Plant, Hotel Yashraj, Shri Ganesh Hotel, Hotel Sahyadri, Savangiri Loni Dosa, Golden Chaha, Jackson Dairy and Khada Vada Pav Center, were suspended.
The FDA has warned of strict action.
The FDA has clarified that all food-related establishments must adhere to food safety and hygiene regulations. Any compromise to food quality will result in action. Whether it's a hotel, a dairy, an online delivery warehouse, or a railway base kitchen, negligence in food safety can be costly. The FDA has indicated that inspections and action against such establishments will continue in the coming days.
