The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken major action against alleged violations of food safety and hygiene norms, suspending the food business licences of 13 establishments across the state, including the Bombay Presidency Radio Club and a McDonald’s outlet in South Mumbai. According to FDA officials, 89 hotels, restaurants and dhabas were inspected during a recent special inspection drive, with 71 establishments issued improvement notices.
The action comes as the Maharashtra FDA intensifies inspections to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. The department said establishments found failing to rectify serious deficiencies could face licence suspension and other regulatory action.
Radio Club Kitchen Reportedly Found with Cockroaches and Flies
According to the FDA, an inspection conducted at the Bombay Presidency Radio Club on August 19 recorded around 47% non-compliance. The establishment was subsequently directed to stop the purchase, sale and distribution of food during the suspension period.
Officials reportedly found a large number of live flies and dead cockroaches inside the club’s kitchen. Peeling paint and plaster were also found on the ceiling above food preparation areas. Washing powder and other chemicals were allegedly stored close to food items.
The inspection also found food being stored directly on the floor, poorly maintained refrigerators used for non-vegetarian food and improper thawing of frozen food.
The FDA further said the kitchen door was inadequately sealed, potentially allowing pests and contaminants to enter. Garbage bins were reportedly placed near cooking stoves, while spitting marks were also found on the premises.
McDonald’s Outlet Failed to Rectify 18 of 20 Deficiencies
The FSSAI licence of the McDonald’s Family Restaurant kiosk operated by Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd at Metro House in Colaba, South Mumbai, was also suspended with immediate effect.
According to the FDA, a reinspection on August 19 found that 18 of the 20 deficiencies mentioned in an earlier improvement notice had still not been rectified. Officials allegedly found uncalibrated refrigeration equipment, live cockroaches, a lack of pest traps, rotting food waste on the kitchen floor and dirty cleaning cloths.
Dust-covered light fixtures without protective shields were also reportedly found. The FDA alleged that some employees handled ready-to-eat food without washing their hands after handling dirty footwear and soiled cleaning cloths.
The department said the establishment had submitted a 148-page compliance report on August 12, but the reinspection found that several serious deficiencies remained unresolved.
Questions Raised Over Cheese Sauce
The FDA also flagged the use of a processed non-dairy or analogue preparation identified as “GO Cheese SAUCE” during the inspection. Officials said the issue required scrutiny because claims displayed for customers referred to the use of real cheese and paneer.
The department is examining aspects related to food ingredients, labelling and the information being provided to customers.
Novaara Restaurant Licence Also Suspended
The food business licence of Ingenious Kitchens Pvt Ltd, which operates Novaara restaurant in Malad, was also suspended. According to the FDA, a reinspection on August 13 found that 14 of the 25 serious deficiencies identified earlier had remained unresolved.
These included the use of old kitchen utensils and equipment allegedly not conforming to food safety standards, inadequate grease and cockroach traps in the drainage line and insufficient medical examination records for food handlers.
Status Restaurant Action Followed Customer Complaint
Status Restaurant at Nariman Point also faced immediate suspension following a customer complaint. The FDA said its inspection found an employee washing their face directly over clean food utensils, creating a risk of wastewater splashing onto the utensils.
Other alleged deficiencies included incomplete personal protective equipment for employees, dirty crockery, stagnant water, grease and oil deposits, rust and food waste.
Action Extended Beyond Mumbai
The FDA also suspended the registration certificate of Khar Gymkhana in Khar West. The inspection reportedly found poor cleanliness in food preparation areas, inadequate segregation of raw and prepared food, lack of hot water for washing utensils and improper thawing of frozen food.
In Mumbai, Bajrang Sweet Mart in Santacruz West and ASM Hotels and Hospitality Services Pvt Ltd in Andheri West also faced suspension action.
Outside Mumbai, the FDA suspended the food licences of Du Brothers Shawarma in Nagpur, Avanti Snacks in Nashik and Pintu Yadav Sweets in Amravati. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Parbhani, action was taken against Chhappan Bhog Thali Restaurant and Banquet Hall, MHARO Gayatri Mewad Pvt Ltd and Star Bakery over alleged food safety and sanitation violations.
The Maharashtra FDA said inspections of food establishments will continue and regulatory action will be taken against establishments where serious food safety violations are found.
