The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken stringent action against several food establishments in Mumbai, suspending the food license of an IRCTC-affiliated supplier in Kurla and three ISKCON-run outlets in Juhu. These suspensions follow alleged violations of critical food safety and hygiene norms, part of a broader state-wide enforcement drive initiated after IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe's appointment as FDA commissioner in May.
IRCTC Supplier License Suspended Over Cockroaches and Poor Hygiene
R K Associates & Hoteliers in Kurla West, an IRCTC-linked food supplier, had its license suspended after an inspection on September 2 revealed significant lapses. FDA officials discovered cockroaches in storage and processing areas, uncovered food, and food preparation occurring near open garbage. The establishment also suffered from damaged floor tiles, wall cracks, and compromised surfaces. Personal hygiene failures were noted, with an employee handling food despite an injured finger, and only 21 out of 34 food handlers possessing valid medical fitness certificates.
ISKCON Juhu Establishments Face Multiple Violations
Inspections conducted on September 3 at three food establishments within ISKCON, Hare Krishna Land, Juhu, led to immediate license suspensions. Officials identified a range of food safety concerns across these outlets. One establishment lacked adequate records for water testing, showed improper raw material inspection, and maintained unsuitable temperature and humidity for food storage. Furthermore, food and non-food items were stored together, risking cross-contamination, alongside evidence of pest infestation, inadequate cleaning, and uncalibrated monitoring devices.
The Food Services Restaurant at ISKCON, Juhu, also faced scrutiny. Its rear kitchen entrance remained open, allowing potential pest entry. Inspectors cited the absence of required laboratory testing, insufficient lighting, deficiencies in raw material inspection and cleaning protocols, and clogged drains filled with food waste and pest droppings. The establishment also failed to maintain proper records for employee medical examinations, vaccinations, and training.
The third outlet, ISKCON Govindas Restaurant, was found deficient in several key areas, including food testing, drinking water testing, raw material inspection and segregation, general cleaning, drainage systems, pest control, and equipment calibration. Shortcomings in food handler hygiene and training were also highlighted, leading to its license suspension effective September 7.
Other Mumbai Establishments Under Scanner
Beyond these major actions, the FDA inspector recommended suspending the food license of Bombay's The Food Fusion Cafe in Ghatkopar. This recommendation came after inspectors found uncovered rice, raw chicken stored openly, improperly sealed cut vegetables, inadequate refrigerator temperatures, defective drainage, and unclean utensils.
In Borivali East, officials recommended suspending the registration certificate of Shree Madhuram, which was registered as a hawker/mobile food vendor but was allegedly operating as a full-fledged food service restaurant. Additionally, licenses for Kothari Sweet and Mulund Farsan Mart in Mulund West, and Maharashtra Biryani Centre in Goregaon East, were also suspended.