Tukaram Mundhe led Maharashtra FDA raids Swiggy Instamart, Amazon warehouse in Mumbai: Rat, cockroaches found | Today’s news
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra, headed by Commissioner Tukaram Mundh, on Monday said it has suspended the licenses of 10 businesses for violating food safety norms. The action comes as the state’s food regulator ramps up inspections and enforcement ahead of the holidays.
Swiggy Instamart dark store license has been suspended
The FDA said it has ordered the immediate suspension of the food license of M/s Swinsta ENT Private Limited, which operates the Swiggy Instamart dark shop at Ballard Estate in south Mumbai.
During the inspection, officers reportedly spotted a live rat in the food handling area. Several 10kg bags of rice were also found gnawed by rodents with the grains scattered on the contaminated floor, the FDA said.
Rodent droppings were found in important storage areas, while inspectors found widespread contamination of food products, according to the regulator.
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The FDA also reported finding live flies inside food storage carts. Dead insects, dirt and significant ice build-up were found inside the cooling units.
FDA action against other food businesses
The regulator said the licenses of several other businesses were also suspended for food safety violations.
These include M/s Sadguru Sweets and Farsan Mart in Malad, M/s Acculogicx Supply Chain Solutions Pvt Ltd, a warehouse operated for Amazon, M/s Suleman Usman Mithaiwala on Mohammed Ali Road, Jain Sweet & Bhepuri House LLP and M/s Nice Enterprises in Chembur.
FDA seizes food worth ₹1.36 million
As part of its pre-Christmas drive, Maharashtra FDA seized suspected adulterated and unsanitary food products worth ₹1.36 million across the state.
Items seized include khoya, mawa, peda, ghee, oil, barfi, dried apricots and raisins, jaggery, sweets and other dairy products.
The regulator also seized 1,868 kg of turmeric powder ₹6.53 crore from Miraj.
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The latest action comes days after the Maharashtra FDA conducted a nationwide crackdown on food businesses and suppliers during which banned gutkha, pan masala, milk and milk products and other food items worth several crores of rupees were seized.
Gutkha, pan masala seized in Nagpur
In Nagpur, FDA officials seized worth of gutkha and pan masala ₹4,10,782 and two vehicles worth ₹8 million during the operation.
Three facilities were inspected, after which three FIRs were registered and three people were arrested, the FDA said.
The festival campaign also resulted in the seizure of 2,813 kg of milk and milk products in awards ₹7,38,230.
Other items were also seized, including a supari, namkeen and a toddy weighing 2,580 kg and 12.5 litres. Their combined value was ₹4,66,802.
Khoya, mawa detained in Konkan
In the Konkan division, the FDA seized 479 kg of khowa and 958 kg of sweet mawa worth ₹3,16,140 from a vehicle at Kashimira in Mira Road.
The products were declared unfit for sale after officials found them to be stored in unsanitary conditions and without adequate temperature control.
Another vehicle was found carrying 659 kg of khowa and 220 kg of sweet mawa worth ₹2,69,940.
Officials seized 174 kg of sweet mawa at Charoti Toll in Palghar ₹48,720 after finding it to be substandard and misbranded.
Food safety checks in Pune and Mumbai
126 kg milk sweets were awarded in Pune division ₹63,000 was seized from a facility in Karad, Satara. It was found that the products were prepared under unsanitary conditions.
In Kolhapur, officials seized 99 kg of khow and 98 kg of rabdi ₹40,430 for violation of licenses and designations.
In Mumbai, the FDA inspected 27 hotels and restaurants as part of enforcement actions. 14 establishments had their licenses suspended and 13 others were given improvements.
The regulator also said it had suspended the licenses of four businesses in Mumbai for failing to comply with food safety and hygiene requirements.
(With input from agencies)
