(By Sapna Desai Mumbai Samachar Desk)
Mumbai: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licences of the Bombay Presidency Radio Club and a McDonald’s outlet in South Mumbai, along with 12 other food establishments across the state, over alleged violations of food safety and hygiene standards, an official said on Friday.
Crackdown Since New Commissioner Took Charge
Since FDA official Tukaram Mundhe took charge as Commissioner in May, he has launched a strict crackdown on food establishments violating various laws and regulations. Under a recent special drive, he inspected 89 hotels, restaurants and dhabas across the state, issuing improvement notices to 71 establishments while suspending the licences of 13 food establishments.
Radio Club Found With Live Flies, Dead Cockroaches
During an inspection carried out on August 19, the Radio Club was found to have a non-compliance rate of 47 per cent, and it has been directed to halt all purchase, sale and distribution of food during the suspension period. Officials reportedly found a large number of live flies and dead cockroaches in the club’s kitchen.
They also reportedly found paint and plaster peeling from the ceiling above food preparation areas, washing powder and other chemicals stored near food items, food kept directly on the floor, and unhygienic refrigerators used for non-vegetarian food. The FDA also stated that garbage bins had been placed near the cooking stoves.
McDonald’s Outlet Fails Re-Inspection
The McDonald’s Family Restaurant kiosk operated by Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. at Metro House in Colaba faced immediate suspension of its FSSAI licence. A re-inspection conducted on August 19 found that 18 of the 20 deficiencies listed in an earlier improvement notice had not been rectified.
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Officials reportedly found uncalibrated refrigeration equipment, live cockroaches, a lack of pest traps, rotting food waste on the kitchen floor, dirty cleaning cloths, and dust-covered light fixtures without protective covers. Staff were also reportedly seen handling ready-to-eat food without washing their hands after touching dirty footwear and soiled cleaning cloths.
The FDA said the outlet had submitted a 148-page compliance report on August 12. However, the re-inspection found that the most serious deficiencies were still present.