Mumbai. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified its statewide crackdown on food establishments allegedly violating food safety and hygiene regulations. As part of the action, the department has suspended the food licence of R.K. Associates & Hoteliers in Kurla West, a supplier linked to railway catering, and taken action against three food establishments operated at ISKCON’s Hare Krishna Land in Juhu.
During an inspection of R.K. Associates & Hoteliers on September 2, officials reportedly found cockroaches in storage and food-processing areas. Food was found exposed, while food preparation was being carried out near open garbage. The premises also had damaged floor tiles, cracks and damaged surfaces on the walls, raising concerns over sanitation and maintenance.
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The inspection also revealed lapses in employee hygiene. An employee with an injured finger was allegedly handling food. Of the 34 food handlers working at the facility, only 21 were able to produce medical fitness certificates. After reviewing the inspection report and photographs, the FDA issued an order suspending the establishment’s food licence on September 7.
The department also inspected three food establishments at ISKCON’s Hare Krishna Land in Juhu on September 3. At one facility, inspectors found inadequate records of periodic testing of water used for food production. The inspection of raw materials was also found to be inadequate. Officials further identified improper temperature and humidity conditions for storing raw and prepared food.
Food and non-food items were reportedly stored in a manner that could increase the risk of cross-contamination. The inspection also found pest infestation, inadequate cleaning and deficiencies in the calibration of measuring and monitoring equipment.
At the ISKCON food services restaurant, inspectors found an open rear kitchen entrance without adequate measures to prevent pests from entering. The facility also lacked required laboratory testing and had inadequate lighting, deficiencies in raw-material inspection and cleaning, clogged drains containing food waste and pest droppings. Records relating to medical examinations, vaccination and training of food handlers were also found to be inadequate.
ISKCON Govindas Restaurant was found to have deficiencies in food testing, drinking-water testing, raw-material inspection and segregation, cleaning, drainage, pest control, equipment calibration and food-handler hygiene and training. Its food licence was suspended with immediate effect from September 7.
The crackdown has extended to other establishments in Mumbai as well. The FDA has recommended suspension of the food licence of Bombay’s — The Food Fusion Cafe in Ghatkopar. Inspectors reportedly found uncovered rice, raw chicken kept in an open container, improperly sealed cut vegetables, inadequate refrigerator temperatures, defective drainage and unclean utensils. Records related to water testing, medical examinations, vaccination of staff and laboratory testing were also reportedly missing.
In Borivali East, the department recommended suspension of the registration certificate of Shree Madhuram. The establishment was registered as a hawker or mobile food vendor but was allegedly operating as a food service restaurant. Inspectors reportedly found flies, rotten vegetables, stagnant water, defective drainage and the absence of a refrigerator temperature display. Food safety and staff-related records were also found to be incomplete.
The FDA also suspended the licences of Kothari Sweet and Mulund Farsan Mart in Mulund West and Maharashtra Biryani Center in Goregaon East.
In neighbouring Navi Mumbai, action was taken against Mateshwari Milk in Kharghar following an inspection on September 1. According to the department, the establishment claimed to sell pasteurised standardised and toned milk despite having no pasteurisation equipment on its premises. The FDA alleged that loose toned milk was being marketed as cow milk, while loose standardised milk was being sold as buffalo milk.
The facility was also found to have deficiencies in basic quality-control and sanitation standards.
The latest action reflects the FDA’s broader focus on food safety compliance across Maharashtra. Inspections are covering not only cleanliness but also water quality, raw-material handling, storage conditions, equipment maintenance, pest control and the health and training records of food handlers.
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About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
