Mumbai: FDA suspends six eateries over hygiene violations and expired food

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration FDA has suspended the food business licences of six restaurants and eateries across Mumbai after inspections uncovered unhygienic kitchens expired food items pest infestations and regulatory violationsAmong the establishments facing action is Flint amp Waarsa a restaurant in the Nariman Point area of south Mumbai The action was part of a statewide enforcement drive aimed at ensuring food safety and compliance with food regulationsFlint amp Waarsa among establishments facing actionFDA officials inspected Flint amp Waarsa on June 27 and found several alleged violations during the inspectionAccording to an official statement inspectors detected misbranded food products and collected five samples for laboratory testing Food items worth Rs 11350 were seized for further examinationThe inspection team also found food stock worth Rs 16201 that had exceeded its expiry date The expired products were destroyed at the premises in accordance with food safety proceduresRaids uncover unhygienic kitchens and pest infestationsOn Monday FDA teams carried out inspections at hotels restaurants and a bakery located in Borivali Santacruz Andheri Bandra and BhandupDuring the inspections officials reported finding cockroaches and rats in food preparation and storage areas They also noted unhygienic conditions including improper storage of raw food materialsThe FDA said several establishments were unable to produce mandatory regulatory documents during the inspections In addition staff members had not undergone the compulsory medical examinations required for food handlers under food safety regulationsLicences suspended over multiple violationsThe department said the food business licences of all six establishments were suspended after inspectors documented serious shortcomingsAccording to the FDA the violations included poor standards of cleanliness inadequate refrigeration facilities and the absence of an effective mechanism for addressing customer complaintsOfficials said these deficiencies posed potential risks to food safety and public health prompting immediate regulatory action against the establishmentsStatewide drive targets food safety violationsThe inspections in Mumbai formed part of a larger enforcement campaign conducted across Maharashtra between June 26 and June 28During the threeday operation FDA teams carried out 31 raids across the state Officials seized prohibited food products including pan masala and gutkha valued at Rs 3487 lakhThe department also arrested 19 people for their alleged involvement in the sale distribution and transportation of banned food products In addition one establishment was sealed and three vehicles were seized during the operationFDA vows continued enforcementThe Food and Drug Administration said it will continue conducting surprise inspections and enforcement drives to ensure compliance with food safety standards across MaharashtraThe department reiterated that strict legal action would be taken against food businesses found violating regulations or compromising public health Officials said the ongoing inspections are intended to improve hygiene standards ensure the availability of safe and quality food products and strengthen consumer confidence in food establishments across the stateWith inputs from PTI