08 September,2026 09:22 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra FDA finds food safety violations at ISKCON Juhu (Pic/Special arrangement)
Tukaram Mundhe-led Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday, September 8, has cancelled the licences of three food establishments operating at ISKCON, Juhu, as part of a wider crackdown on food safety and hygiene violations across the state, an official statement, issued by the FDA, said.
The FDA's action against the three establishments at ISKCON, Juhu, comes amid increased scrutiny of food businesses over compliance with food safety standards and regulations.
The inspections covered food establishments operating at the ISKCON premises, including its Food Services-Restaurant establishment and Govindas Restaurant. The FDA said serious violations of food safety and hygiene requirements were detected, and consequently the licences of three establishments have been suspended, the statement said.
According to the FDA, the ISKCON premises at Hare Krishna Land, Sri Mukteshwar Devalaya Marg, Juhu, were inspected on September 3.
The department said the inspections revealed serious violations of the food safety and hygiene conditions mandated under the Food Safety and Standards Act and the regulations governing food businesses.
Among the establishments inspected was the Food Services-Restaurant operating at ISKCON Juhu. The FDA said serious violations of food safety and hygiene rules were found during the inspection, following which its licence was suspended.
The ISKCON-Govindas Restaurant was also inspected on the same day. The FDA said serious violations of food safety and hygiene requirements were detected at the restaurant as well, resulting in suspension of its licence.
Maharashtra FDA has also suspended the licence of a third food establishment operating at the ISKCON Juhu premises.
As part of its drive to ensure safe food for railway passengers, the FDA inspected five establishments supplying food to passengers from base kitchens and food plazas under IRCTC in Mumbai and Thane. Of the five establishments, the FDA said the licence of one was suspended, while correction notices were issued to the remaining four.
The establishments inspected by the Maharashtra FDA included:
The food licence of R. K. Associates Hoteliers Pvt. Ltd. was suspended following an inspection conducted on September 2, 2026. The establishment was declared "Non-Compliant", scoring 78 out of 114 marks, or around 69 per cent, during the inspection.
However, IRCTC while issuing an official statement said, "IRCTC has completed the necessary corrective measures at the Kurla Base Kitchen in accordance with the prescribed standards. The operations of the said kitchen will resume from tomorrow."
"Necessary corrective measures at the remaining locations are currently in progress," they further added.
The FDA found several food safety and hygiene deficiencies at the establishment, including cockroaches in food storage and serving areas, open food containers and food preparation being carried out near open garbage.
The inspection also found 17 broken floor tiles in the kitchen and cracks and poor wall surfaces at four locations.
Concerns were also raised over the personal hygiene of food handlers. One employee was found handling food despite having a wound on his finger. Of the 34 food-handling employees, only 21 had medical fitness certificates available during the inspection.
As per the official note issued by the Maharashtra FDA, Bombay's The Food Fusion Cafe in Ghatkopar was inspected following a viral complaint and received 51 out of 98 points, with the inspection report recording "Non-Compliance".
Officials cited improperly stored rice, uncovered raw chicken, inadequately sealed vegetables, improper refrigerator temperatures, poor drainage, unclean utensils and missing employee medical, vaccination and food-safety training records. The FDA recommended suspension of its food licence.
A particularly significant action involved Drogheria Sellers Pvt. Ltd. (Zepto), Malad West, where the FDA said it found widespread hygiene and food-safety violations.
According to the inspection findings, live cockroaches were found in raw-food storage areas, including inside a box of packaged eggs, while cockroaches were also reportedly found on a beverage-preparation table in an adjoining delivery café.
The FDA also reported a serious cold-chain issue, with perishable dairy products such as milk, paneer and curd stored at 14-15 degrees Celsius, compared with the expected 2-6 degrees Celsius range. The cold-storage room was reportedly at 20-21 degrees Celsius, while some food packages showed signs of swelling.
Maharashtra FDA has also taken action against Mateshwari Dairy in Kharghar after detecting irregularities in its milk business. The establishment's licence has been revoked, according to the department.
The enforcement drive carried out by the food regulator forms part of their continued inspections of food establishments to ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations.
FDA further said its inspections of railway base kitchens, food plazas and establishments supplying food to railway passengers would continue, with strict action against businesses found compromising food quality, hygiene and safety standards.
