Mumbai: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a major crackdown on prominent restaurants and food outlets in Mumbai’s Colaba area over food. The FDA Commissioner, Tukaram Mundhe, has suspended the licences of 13 food establishments for violations of hygiene and public health regulations.
The outlets facing action include the renowned Bombay Presidency Radio Club, the McDonald’s Family Restaurant kiosk in Colaba and Status Restaurant, among others.
Action against McDonald
An inspection of the McDonald’s Family Restaurant kiosk at Metro House in Colaba, Mumbai, under Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd at Metro House was conducted by FDA, which reportedly found several serious violations.
According to the FDA, the premises had major hygiene deficiencies, including the presence of live cockroaches. Irregularities related to the storage of food items were also detected.
Following the inspection, the kiosk’s food licence was suspended with effect from August 19. The US-based food chain has been directed to halt food production, sale and distribution during the suspension period.
Flies, Cockroaches Found at Radio Club
In another major drive, the Bombay Presidency Radio Club in Colaba was also found to have serious food safety and hygiene deficiencies during an FDA inspection.
Flies were found around uncovered utensils, while dead cockroaches and cockroach traps were also discovered on the premises. The ceiling plaster in the food preparation area was found to be in poor condition. Chemicals were also reportedly stored near food items.
In view of these violations, the food licence of the club was also suspended.
13 food outlets face action
So far, the Maharashtra FDA, on August 21, suspended licences of 13 food establishments. The establishments include several prominent restaurants and clubs in Colaba, as well as Khar Gymkhana.
The crackdown sends a clear message that even prominent restaurants, clubs and major food brands in Mumbai will not be exempt from regulatory action if they violate food safety and hygiene norms.
FDA Intensifies Crackdown Under Tukaram Mundhe
Since Tukaram Mundhe took charge as FDA Commissioner, inspections and enforcement action against hotels, restaurants, clubs, bakeries and other food establishments across Maharashtra have intensified.
Between May 25 and July 31, the FDA inspected 3,137 establishments and suspended the licences of 165 establishments. During these inspections, large quantities of unsafe food items were also seized or destroyed.
The latest action has raised concerns across Mumbai’s hotel and restaurant industry, with establishments now expected to pay greater attention to hygiene, pest control, food storage and kitchen maintenance.