Mumbai FDA seals seven eateries over hygiene, food safety violations
FDA action follows inspections at outlets in Kanjurmarg, Mulund, Kurla and Jogeshwari that found dirt, pests and raw meat left exposed
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against seven eateries in Mumbai's Kanjurmarg, Mulund, Kurla and Jogeshwari areas for allegedly violating food safety and hygiene rules. The action followed inspections carried out on September 8 and 9.
The inspections found lapses including dirt, pest infestation, improper storage of food, faulty temperature control and inadequate ventilation. Following these findings, the licences or registrations of the concerned outlets were suspended. The outlets against which action was taken include Shri Gajanan Vadapav and Snacks Centre in Kanjurmarg, Samarth Sweets in Jogeshwari, Ekveera Zunka Bhakar Kendra and Manisha Sweets in Mulund, as well as Nawab Seekh Corner, Hotel Ashwin and Jai Maharashtra Masala Dosa Corner.
At Shri Gajanan Vadapav and Snacks Centre in Kanjurmarg, the inspection found that temperatures for heating, cooling and refrigeration were not being regularly monitored. The absence of a kitchen door raised the risk of pests entering, and some utensils that came in direct contact with food were found to be made of unsuitable material.
Samarth Sweets was inspected following a complaint, and an open drain and garbage were found near the shop entrance. Improper workflow in the production area was flagged as a contamination risk. Personal belongings, clothes and bedding were also found in the production area.
At the production areas of Ekveera Zunka Bhakar Kendra and Manisha Sweets, overcrowding, poor ventilation and inadequate pest control measures were found. The inspection also found that food was being prepared in conditions where it could come into contact with dust and pests.
At Nawab Seekh Corner, the inspection found ant-infested semolina in storage, along with raw meat left uncovered. Raw, cooked and ready-to-eat food was not stored separately, and the cold storage area was found to be dirty. Hotel Ashwin and Jai Maharashtra Masala Dosa Corner were also found to have lapses in food storage, temperature control, cleanliness and pest control. Taking all these findings into account, the FDA acted against the outlets and has adopted a strict stance on enforcing compliance with food safety rules.
