Maharashtra FDA suspends EatClub licence, flags serious food safety violations at four establishments

Inside Ashfaque Bakery in Chembur. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday cracked down on four more food establishments in Mumbai after inspections revealed serious food safety and hygiene violations, including rodent infestation, improper food storage, and poor staff hygiene.

Establishments that faced action are

>> EatClub Brands Private Limited at Royal Palms, Goregaon
>> Rani Diets Consultant and Service Providers at Jari Mari, Kurla
>> Goodluck Bakery and Stores at Little Malabar Hill, Chembur
>> Ashfaque Bakery at Samrat Ashok Nagar, Chembur

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE

Poor staff hygiene

The FDA suspended EatClub's licence with immediate effect after finding inadequate storage facilities, poor staff hygiene, inadequate pest-control measures and ventilation. Food handlers were also found without essential protective equipment, while records relating to medical checks, training, and customer complaints were deficient.

Rodent infestation, poor sanitation

At Rani Diets in Kurla, inspectors found an active rodent infestation, dirty and greasy food preparation areas, stagnant water, and poor waste disposal. Raw meat and other high-risk food were stored uncovered in refrigerators, while food was not properly labelled or dated. Inspectors also found food covered with newspapers. The cooking oil was reportedly being reused.

Goodluck Bakery and Stores in Chembur scored just 36 out of 146 marks (25 per cent) during inspection and was declared non-compliant. The FDA found inadequate storage, insufficient pest-proofing, poor sanitation facilities, and gaps in food-safety records and staff training.

Ashfaque Bakery in Chembur scored 56 out of 156 marks (36 per cent) and was also declared non-compliant. Inspectors found deficiencies in storage, pest control, temperature management, food packaging, staff hygiene, and safety records.

‘Essential to follow safety norms'

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said establishments must follow food safety norms strictly. "Food businesses are expected to follow prescribed safety and hygiene standards. Any compromise can directly affect public health, and wherever serious violations are found, the FDA will take action as per law," Mundhe said.