Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licences Of Four Mumbai Food Businesses Over Hygiene Violations

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences and registrations of four food businesses in Mumbai after inspections uncovered serious hygiene and food safety violations, including cockroach infestations, reused cooking oil and unsafe food storage.

The action between August 25 and 27 targeted Akshay Caterers at the Garware Institute of Career Education and Development in Mumbai University's Kalina campus, Craftpac Hospitality Pvt Ltd at Jio World Drive in Bandra East, Marian Hotel and Restaurant on Gokhale Road in Dadar West, and Bhagwati Stores at Radhika Residency in Tilak Nagar, Chembur.

FDA inspectors found active cockroach and insect infestations in kitchens and food storage areas. Officials also reported excessive and uncontrolled use of artificial colours and monosodium glutamate (MSG), while cooking oil had been repeatedly reused and was found darkened, highly oxidised and unsuitable for continued use.

At one establishment, cooked rice was reportedly stored uncovered in an unhygienic area beneath a staircase, where inspectors found damp walls, fungal growth, moisture and water condensation. Cooking utensils, knives and equipment were heavily soiled, with grease, dust and organic residue accumulated on them.

The FDA also flagged a cross contamination risk because some establishments were using the same preparation areas, cutting boards and cooking equipment for vegetarian and non vegetarian food without adequate segregation or sanitation. Poor drainage was another concern, with stagnant wastewater, algae, sludge and foul odour reported at the premises.

The licences were suspended with immediate effect under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The FDA said its statewide special inspection drive would continue to ensure consumers receive safe and hygienic food and warned that strict legal action would be taken against businesses violating food safety regulations.

The crackdown comes amid intensified food safety inspections across Maharashtra. In July alone, the FDA inspected 3,100 eateries, suspended 165 food licences and issued improvement notices to 750 establishments, according to FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. The department later revoked suspensions of 70 restaurants following compliance and appeals.

In a separate action in Akola, the FDA seized 3,428.400 kg of refined soybean oil worth Rs 6.21 lakh from Prabhudayal Laxminarayan after suspecting adulteration and finding licensing and laboratory-related irregularities.

Officials also seized 3,598.400 kg of loose refined soybean oil worth Rs 5.61 lakh from Bharatkumar and Brothers in MIDC, Akola. Both firms held repacking licences but were found selling loose oil and lacking updated laboratory facilities and reports. Their licences were suspended with immediate effect.