Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 30: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licences of six eateries, including a well-known restaurant in south Mumbai, after inspections uncovered serious violations such as unhygienic kitchen conditions, expired food items and the use of misbranded products.
The action was taken against Flint & Waarsa at Nariman Point along with five other food establishments, including hotels, restaurants and a bakery located in Borivali, Santacruz, Andheri, Bandra and Bhandup. The inspections were part of a special statewide enforcement campaign aimed at ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
According to the FDA, officials inspected Flint & Waarsa on June 27 and detected the use of misbranded food products. During the inspection, five food samples were collected and sent for laboratory testing.
The inspection team also seized food stock valued at Rs 11,350 and destroyed expired food items worth Rs 16,201 that had been stored beyond their prescribed shelf life.
At the remaining establishments, officials reported multiple hygiene lapses, including cockroach and rodent infestations in kitchens, improper storage of raw food materials and inadequate refrigeration facilities.
The inspections also revealed several regulatory deficiencies, including the absence of mandatory documentation, failure to conduct compulsory health check-ups for food handlers and the lack of an effective customer grievance redressal mechanism.
Citing these serious violations of food safety and hygiene standards, the FDA suspended the licences of all six establishments.
The crackdown was carried out between June 26 and June 28 as part of a statewide enforcement drive, during which FDA teams conducted 31 inspections across Maharashtra.
Apart from action against eateries, officials also seized banned food products, including pan masala and gutkha, collectively valued at Rs 34.87 lakh.
During the operation, 19 people were arrested for their alleged involvement in the sale, transportation and distribution of prohibited food products. Authorities also sealed one establishment and seized three vehicles used in the illegal trade.
The FDA said it will continue conducting intensive inspections across the state and initiate strict legal action against individuals and businesses found violating food safety norms, with the objective of ensuring that consumers have access to safe and hygienic food products.