Maharashtra FDA suspends six eateries over food safety violations

The Maharashtra FDA suspended licences of six eateries, including Mumbai's Flint & Waarsa, after inspections uncovered unhygienic kitchens, expired food, misbranded products and regulatory violations. The statewide drive also led to arrests, seizures of banned items and continued enforcement against food safety breaches

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licences of six restaurants and eateries, including a prominent restaurant here after inspections revealed unhygienic kitchens, expired food stock and misbranded products, according to multiple reports.

The action was taken against Flint & Waarsa in Nariman Point and five other establishments, including hotels, restaurants and a bakery located in Borivali, Santacruz, Andheri, Bandra and Bhandup, as part of a special statewide enforcement drive.

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According to the FDA, officials inspected Flint & Waarsa on June 27 and found misbranded food products, following which five samples were collected for laboratory analysis.

The inspection team also seized stock worth Rs 11,350 and destroyed expired food items valued at Rs 16,201 that had been stored beyond their shelf life.

Moreover, during raids conducted at the other establishments, officials found unhygienic kitchen conditions, including the presence of cockroaches and rats, improper storage of raw food and inadequate refrigeration facilities.

The FDA also found that some establishments lacked mandatory documentation, while food handlers had not undergone the required health check-ups. Authorities further noted the absence of a proper mechanism to address customer complaints.

The food business licences of all six establishments were suspended over serious violations related to hygiene, food safety and regulatory compliance, the department said.

The action formed part of a statewide enforcement drive carried out between June 26 and June 28, during which the FDA conducted 31 inspections across Maharashtra.

Additionally, during the drive, officials seized prohibited food products, including pan masala and gutkha, worth Rs 34.87 lakh.

While nineteen people were arrested in connection with the sale, distribution and transportation of banned food items. Also, one establishment was sealed and three vehicles were seized.

The department has said it will continue strict enforcement measures to ensure the availability of safe and quality food products and will initiate legal action against those found violating food safety norms.