Mumbai, Maharashtra
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken major action against establishments found violating food safety and hygiene regulations during the festive season. Following inspections conducted between September 28 and 30, the administration has suspended the licenses of 31 establishments. The establishments facing action include hotels, restaurants, roadside eateries, clubs, and other food businesses.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, the suspended licenses include 12 establishments from the Mumbai Division, 12 from the Konkan Division, six from the Pune Division, and one from the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Division.
The administration conducted inspections at various food establishments between September 28 and 30. During these inspections, officials examined food safety practices, storage and handling of food items, and overall hygiene conditions at the premises. They also checked the necessary records related to employees.
Several serious deficiencies were identified during the inspections. In some establishments, officials found insect infestations. Lapses were also observed in the proper storage and handling of food products. Improper storage and handling of food items were treated as violations of food safety regulations.
Officials also examined the medical fitness records of employees during the inspections. Some establishments were found without the required medical fitness records. In addition, mandatory food safety records were not being maintained at certain premises.
Following these violations, the administration suspended the licenses of the establishments concerned. The action was taken as part of an inspection drive aimed at ensuring food safety and hygiene standards during the festive season.
The festive period typically brings an increase in customer footfall at food establishments, along with higher demand for food products. During such periods, proper storage and handling of food, along with maintaining hygienic premises, become particularly important. Maintaining employee medical fitness records and mandatory food safety documentation is also an essential part of compliance.
The Mumbai and Konkan divisions recorded the highest number of actions, with 12 establishments in each division having their licenses suspended. Six establishments in the Pune Division and one establishment in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Division also faced action.
In total, licenses of 31 establishments have been suspended. The major violations identified during the inspections included insect infestation, improper storage and handling of food items, absence of employee medical fitness records, and failure to maintain mandatory food safety documentation.
The inspections carried out between September 28 and 30 were part of the administration’s monitoring efforts during the festive season. The suspension of licenses highlights the Maharashtra FDA’s strict approach toward ensuring compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations across food establishments.
