FDA Suspends Licences of Five Eateries in Mumbai Following Hygiene Inspections

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of five hotels and restaurants across the state and seized banned products alongside food items worth approximately Rs 25 lakh following an inspection drive on Tuesday, officials announced on Wednesday. In Mumbai, major enforcement actions were initiated against establishments in Malad West and Kurla after inspectors uncovered severe hygiene and sanitation lapses.

During the drive, FDA officials inspected a total of 31 food establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and roadside eateries. While 22 establishments received improvement notices directing them to rectify shortcomings, the administration suspended the operating licences of five premises due to critical non-compliance with statutory safety standards.

Among the establishments facing immediate licence suspension was Hotel Radha, located in Malad West. During the inspection, officials observed serious food safety violations, including the presence of rodents inside the food preparation area. According to the department, a large rat was seen entering the kitchen, and another was spotted near the ceiling. Inspectors also recorded an absence of proper sanitation and waste disposal systems, leading the FDA to suspend the eatery's licence under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Similar enforcement action was taken against Janata Tawa and Grill in Kurla. FDA inspectors discovered raw meat and poultry stored improperly in plastic bags containing accumulated liquid. The kitchen also had inadequate arrangements for waste disposal, and the food handlers working at the establishment lacked updated medical fitness certificates.

In addition to the suspensions and improvement notices, the FDA confiscated banned items and other food products valued at around Rs 25 lakh during the statewide operation.