Maharashtra: FDA, led by IAS Tukaram Mundhe, suspends license of 8 shops; check the full list | Today’s news
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stepped up food safety checks during the festive season in Maharashtra. Led by IAS Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the drive focused on poor hygiene and unsafe food handling.
In Mumbai, eight food establishments faced legal action after inspections found violations. The FDA suspended five licenses and revoked three others. A press release dated October 5 listed the businesses facing these measures.
The suspended licenses included Cafe Sultan in Kalina and Lo Fresh Food in Marol. Country Club and Suraj Lama Momos in Andheri West faced suspension. Cafe Pakeezah in Santacruz West was the fifth establishment to have its license suspended.
FDA revokes Blinkit’s license in Vile Parle. Copenhagen Hospitality in Vile Parle and Eatclubs in Bandra West also lost their licences.
Inspectors are said to have found problems with food handling, storage, sanitation and cleanliness. They identified gaps in the measures to prevent contamination. The FDA considered these violations serious enough to warrant action under food safety regulations.
The enforcement proceedings also covered banned food items in Maharashtra between October 1 and 5. Operations in Konkan, Pune and Nashik resulted in seizures, police cases and arrests.
In the Konkan division, officials inspected six establishments. They confiscated prohibited food supplies ₹2.18 million. Six FIRs were registered and 14 people were arrested. Officials sealed off two establishments and seized four vehicles worth ₹67 million.
In Pune, seven establishments passed the inspection. Value of prohibited foods ₹1.38 million were confiscated. Seven FIRs were registered while 10 people were arrested. Four establishments were sealed and one vehicle seized.
Nashik officials inspected the two establishments and seized the prohibited food stocks ₹3.30 crores. The event led to two FIRs and two arrests.
Tukaram Mundhe clarifies the attitude towards the distribution of prasad
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe had earlier clarified that the latest festive directive is related to food safety. It aims to prevent adulteration and ensure safe food during festivals and public gatherings.
He told PTI that people seemed to have misunderstood the standing order. The directive does not control festival celebrations or traditions such as the distribution of prasad.
According to Mundhe, food safety rules apply equally to weddings, bhandars, eid, Christmas and other gatherings. The legal framework has been in place since 2011 and includes food business registration and licensing requirements. The Directive does not create any new law, licensing system or other restrictions specifically aimed at festivals.
The FDA recently introduced a festival enforcement calendar covering the entire year. It provides a system to monitor food safety during public celebrations. Months of stronger anti-counterfeiting action followed.
