Maharashtra FDA Crackdown: Railway Food Supplier, 20 Eateries Lose Licences Over Safety Violations

Cockroach infestations, expired products and dairy stored above safe temperatures: inspections by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have led to food licence suspensions across railway catering, eateries, dairy businesses and e-commerce operations.

The enforcement drive, announced on Wednesday, included a supplier serving railway passengers, three food establishments at ISKCON in Juhu and a milk business in Kharghar. The FDA also reported suspending licences of 20 hotels, restaurants and other food establishments: six in Mumbai, three in Konkan division and 11 in Pune division.

The action is part of the state’s “Safe Food, Safe Medicine, Safe Maharashtra” campaign.

What did inspectors find in railway catering kitchens?

The FDA inspected five base kitchens and food plazas supplying food to railway passengers under railway catering services.

According to its press release, the food licence of a Mumbai hospitality and catering establishment was suspended after inspectors found a severe cockroach infestation, unhygienic transportation and injured food handlers.

Four other suppliers received improvement notices. The FDA suspended three food licences covering kitchen and restaurant operations at ISKCON’s Juhu centre.

Inspectors reported pest infestations, blocked drains, a lack of mandatory water quality testing and unverified oil usage, according to the release.

In Kharghar, the regulator suspended a dairy manufacturing unit’s licence over alleged mislabelling of loose milk and the absence of pasteurisation facilities.

A sweet shop also faced suspension for allegedly operating unhygienic manufacturing units without valid permits.

Expired goods and cold-chain failures

The crackdown extended to e-commerce food operations and dark stores. The FDA said it suspended licences after discovering live cockroach infestations, expired goods, unhygienic drainage and breaches in temperature-controlled storage.

These included dairy products stored above safe temperatures, according to the regulator.

The release also detailed licence suspensions involving a biryani centre and a bakery, while cancellation of licences or registrations was recommended for several Mumbai cafés.

A vegetarian restaurant was issued a Stop Business Order for operating without an FSSAI licence.

How can consumers report unsafe food?

The FDA said citizens who encounter suspected food adulteration, expired products or unhygienic practices can report them directly to the regulator.

The state government said enforcement would continue against businesses selling expired or unsafe food, reiterating its zero-tolerance position on practices that compromise public health.

With inputs from ANI