Maharashtra FDA Suspends 105 Licenses Ahead of Deepavali
Following inspections, the FDA has taken strict action against food establishments in Maharashtra to ensure compliance before the festival.
105 licenses suspended and 7 canceled after FDA inspections.
39,485 kg of food products worth ₹1.35 crore seized.
FDA emphasizes strict adherence to food safety standards.
In a significant move ahead of the Deepavali festival, the Mumbai Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has suspended the licenses of 105 food establishments and canceled seven licenses across Maharashtra. This action was taken following inspections conducted on November 4 and 5, which revealed serious violations in hygiene and food safety practices.
The inspections, as documented by the FDA, uncovered a range of issues including improper food storage, manufacturing practices, and a lack of proper licensing. Notably, the inspections found no records of health checks or training for food handlers, raising concerns about food safety standards. In Mumbai alone, 28 eateries had their licenses suspended, with the Rajdhani Biryani Centre being one of the establishments that faced cancellation of its license.
During these inspections, the FDA seized a staggering 39,485 kg of food products valued at ₹1.35 crore from at least 69 establishments. In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the agency confiscated 2,396.6 kg of food items worth ₹13.87 lakh, which included sweets, ingredients, and packaged foods. Specific cases included the seizure of 44 kg of boondi laddus and kalakand from Jamnagari Sweets and Farsan due to violations related to food coloring.
The FDA has issued a stern warning to vendors and manufacturers of sweets to comply with food safety regulations ahead of Deepavali. The agency has committed to continuing its inspections to ensure that food products meet safety standards, especially during the festive season when demand for sweets and snacks surges.
Tukaram Mundhe, the FDA Commissioner, reiterated the agency's commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that food quality is not compromised. He emphasized that the FDA will take strict action against any establishment, regardless of its size or reputation, that fails to adhere to food safety standards.
