Otters Club disputes FDA paneer finding, says product was FSSAI-certified

Otters Club in Bandra West. File pic/Nimesh Dave

Otters Club, the high-profile Bandra social club frequented by A-list Bollywood actors, has disputed the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) finding that it used prohibited analogue paneer, saying the product it procured was FSSAI-certified.

The club's food licence was suspended after an FDA inspection found a product labelled "Regular Paneer", supplied by Punjab Sind Dairy, which the regulator identified as analogue paneer/proprietary food. The FDA also flagged several hygiene and food-safety lapses at the club.

Representation pic/istock

The club, located next to Joggers Park on Carter Road, Bandra West, is a well-known social venue frequented by several prominent Bollywood personalities.

FDA: Prohibited product used

The FDA said the manufacture, storage and sale of analogue paneer and similar products is prohibited in Maharashtra. According to the regulator, the product was being used at the club to prepare paneer dishes for customers.

Outside Mumbai

The FDA also suspended the licence of Hotel Chul Mutton in Lohegaon, Pune, over alleged cleanliness and hygiene violations. Shivam Traders, Gandhibag, Nagpur, also faced action over alleged violations of food-safety and cleanliness norms.

‘We will not tolerate' violations

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said:

"Maharashtra has a strict stand on the quality of food products and implementation of the law. We will not tolerate any playing with the health of citizens. Getting pure and safe food is the right of citizens. If anyone is found adulterating food or selling, storing or manufacturing prohibited substances, stricter action will be taken, and this will continue."

What the FDA found

The paneer issue was not the only concern flagged during the inspection.

Representation pic/istock

The inspection noted:
>> Dirty and broken flooring
>> A partially blocked drain
>> Damaged refrigerator gaskets and linings
>> Refrigerator doors not closing properly
>> No records of Total Polar Compounds (TPC) testing of cooking oil
>> Deficiencies in food-safety management
>> Lapses in preventive maintenance and other prescribed practices

Supplier yet to respond

mid-day contacted Punjab Sind Dairy for its response. The company said its directors were out of town and could not immediately comment.

The larger FDA action: Between July 14 and August 17, the department inspected 65 food establishments across Maharashtra, issued 50 improvement notices and suspended eight food-business licences.

Mumbai establishments face action

Daily Fresh Bakers & Cakes, Dahisar East
Inspectors allegedly found cake preparation being carried out in unhygienic conditions, with cockroaches, rats and other pest activity. Expired food colour was also found. The bakery was reportedly registered only for retail activity despite manufacturing cakes on the premises.

Prince of Wales Restaurant, Khar West
Action followed alleged deficiencies in hot and cold food storage, food and packaging storage, pest control, food-contact equipment, walls and ceilings, condensation and waste disposal.

Raj Oil Trading, Vile Parle
The FDA allegedly found food, chemicals and other hazardous substances stored without proper segregation. Rodent-damaged oil packets, foul smell and deficiencies in temperature and humidity control were also reported.

Cafe Sifarish, Marol
Its food licence was suspended over alleged deficiencies in temperature control, storage segregation, pest prevention, equipment hygiene and staff facilities.

Zepto Limited, Chembur
Inspectors flagged alleged ventilation, structural, flooring and pest-control issues, as well as temperature deviations in chilled and frozen food storage.

The wider FDA crackdown

The action against Otters Club was part of a larger statewide drive between July 14 and August 17.

65
Establishments inspected

50
Improvement notices issued

8
Food licences suspended