Maharashtra FDA shuts down KEM Hospital canteen in Parel over safety violations
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business license and halted the operations of a hospital canteen located at King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital in Parel, Mumbai. Following an inspection on July 15, the FDA's Zone 3 team ordered M/s Stany Caterers, which operates from the ground floor of the Old Nurses Home building, to immediately stop its business due to unhygienic conditions and serious food safety violations.
The regulatory action was taken after food safety officers discovered multiple violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) and its associated regulations inside the kitchen. A formal stop business notice was issued directly to the operator by the Food Safety Officer, while the designated FDA officer suspended the canteen's food business license with immediate effect.
King Edward Memorial Hospital, where the canteen is located, is a major public medical college and hospital founded in 1926. The medical college is affiliated with the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS). Due to the high volume of patients and visitors at the public facility, food safety at the premises remains a critical concern for local authorities.
During the inspection of the catering premises, FDA officials collected four formal food samples for laboratory analysis. The seized samples comprised prepared rice, mixed pulses bhaji, kabuli chana used as a raw material, and refined sunflower oil. These samples will undergo chemical and microbiological testing to verify compliance with safety standards.
The enforcement action comes amid an intensified crackdown against food businesses across Maharashtra. The drive has been stepped up since IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe assumed charge as the Maharashtra FDA Commissioner in May. Under his leadership, the authority has conducted numerous inspections at multiple hotels, restaurants, and dhabas to ensure public health standards are maintained.
As part of the same ongoing food safety drive, the FDA also recently suspended the food business license of Mumbai-based Parsi Dairy Farm after finding serious food safety and hygiene violations during separate inspections.
