28 August,2026 07:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Active cockroach and insect infestation was found in kitchens and various food storage areas. PIC/FDA
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences or registrations of four food establishments in Mumbai after inspections found serious food safety and hygiene violations, including excessive use of artificial colours and monosodium glutamate (MSG), cockroach infestation, and unhygienic food storage.
The action was taken during inspections conducted on Tuesday and Thursday, the FDA said in a press note issued on Friday.
The establishments include Akshay Caterers at the Garware Institute of Career Education and Development in Mumbai University's Kalina campus, Craftpac Hospitality Pvt Ltd at Jio World Drive in Bandra East, Marian Hotel and Restaurant in Dadar West, and Bhagwati Stores in Tilak Nagar, Chembur.
According to the FDA, its inspectors found excessive and uncontrolled use of artificial colours and MSG/Ajinomoto in food preparations. The cooking oil used at these establishments was also found to have been repeatedly reused and heavily oxidised.
Active cockroach and insect infestation was found in kitchens and various food storage areas, the FDA said.
At one establishment, cooked rice was found stored in the open without a cover under a staircase in an unhygienic area. The area reportedly had damp walls, fungal growth, moisture and water condensation.
Cooking utensils, equipment and knives were also found to be heavily rusted and unhygienic, with grease, smoke residue and organic dirt accumulated on them.
The FDA also found a serious risk of cross-contamination between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, as the same preparation areas, cutting boards and cooking equipment were reportedly being used for both. Necessary segregation and hygiene practices were not being followed, the administration said.
Inadequate drainage arrangements were also found at the premises, resulting in stagnant wastewater, algae, a sticky layer, foul odour and unhygienic conditions.
The FDA said the licences or registrations of the four establishments were suspended with immediate effect under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, in the interest of public health.
In a separate action in the Amravati division, the FDA seized more than 7,000 kg of refined soybean oil from two establishments in Akola over suspected adulteration and other violations.
Officials inspected Prabhudayal Laxminarayan in MIDC, Akola, and collected a sample of refined soybean oil (Shakti). The FDA seized 3,428.400 kg of stock valued at Rs 6.21 lakh.
The administration said the establishment was licensed as an edible oil repacker but was found to be trading in loose oil.
Inspectors also found that its laboratory was not up to date and that laboratory reports were not available, among other deficiencies.
In another action, 3,598.400 kg of refined soybean oil (loose), valued at Rs 5.61 lakh, was seized from Bharatkumar and Brothers in MIDC, Akola.
The FDA cited suspected adulteration, an outdated laboratory, the sale of loose oil and the absence of laboratory reports, among other violations.
Both establishments held licences for repacking oil. Based on the serious deficiencies found during the inspections, the licences of both establishments were suspended with immediate effect.
The FDA said it was continuing a statewide special inspection drive to ensure that citizens have access to safe, hygienic and quality food, and warned that strict legal action would be taken against food businesses violating food safety regulations.
Citizens can report concerns regarding food quality through the FOSCOS portal, Food Safety Connect app, the Food & Drug Grievance Portal or the FDA's toll-free number, 1800-222-365.
