FDA Suspends Licence of McDonald's Colaba Outlet Over Hygiene Violations
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licence of a McDonald’s outlet in Colaba, Mumbai, following an inspection that reportedly uncovered multiple food safety and hygiene violations.
During the inspection, FDA officials found pest infestation, poor temperature control, cockroaches on the premises, rotting food waste on the kitchen floor near food storage and preparation areas, and inadequate staff hygiene.
According to an FDA official, the Colaba outlet had previously submitted a 148-page compliance report on August 12 claiming that all identified deficiencies had been rectified. However, a subsequent inspection by the regulatory authority revealed that most of the issues remained unresolved. The FDA noted that submitting false information to the licensing authority constitutes an offence under Section 61 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
A day after the suspension, McDonald’s India issued a statement on Saturday addressing the regulatory action, stating that it respects the process and is reviewing the findings.
"McDonald’s takes pride in maintaining high food safety standards and has a zero-tolerance approach to food safety issues. We respect the regulatory process and are reviewing the observations referenced in the report," McDonald’s India said in its statement.
The company maintained that it adheres to strict food quality, safety, and hygiene protocols, including the use of real cheese and real paneer, adding that it believes it is important for its practices to be accurately understood and represented. McDonald’s India also stated that customers are welcome to take kitchen tours to inspect its food preparation procedures.
The enforcement action against the Colaba outlet forms part of an ongoing statewide food safety drive conducted by the FDA, during which several food establishments have undergone inspections and faced regulatory measures across Maharashtra.
