• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. FDA suspended licenses of IRCTC, ISKCON, Zepto outlets.
  2. Violations included pest infestation, poor hygiene, improper storage.
  3. Crackdown part of statewide food safety enforcement drive.

Continuing the streak of statewide crackdown on food safety violations, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday suspended the food licences of an IRCTC-linked supplier in Kurla and three food establishments at ISKCON, Juhu. Govinda's Restaurant is also among the eateries facing the latest suspension.

What Led To The Suspension Of Food Licences ?

Under the supervision of FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, this enforcement action revealed that the kitchens long trusted for providing Satvik (pure vegetarian) food had choked drains, stagnant dirty water near the cold storage area, and insects roaming around. The outlet was found to be violating serious hygiene practices and pest infestations.

ALSO READ: Maharashtra Bakeries Face Crackdown As FDA Seals Popular Thane Bakery Over Use Of Wood-Fired Ovens

According to reports, during the inspection on September 3, food safety officers discovered raw, semi-cooked, and prepared food stacked without segregation, increasing the risk of acute cross-contamination. There were no grease or cockroach traps in the food storage area; cooking oil remained untested, and storerooms contained insect droppings.

Several kitchen staff members were found preparing food without aprons, gloves, or valid medical fitness certificates. As per authorities, the preparation or sale of food at all three locations within the Juhu temple complex will remain prohibited until all regulations are fully complied with. An ISKCON representative confirmed that the FDA has acted but declined to comment further.

IRCTC Base Kitchen License Cancelled

In Ghatkopar, a recommendation was made to suspend operations at The Food Fusion Cafe after an inspection revealed uncovered cooked rice placed next to raw, exposed chicken. Meanwhile, in Kurla, the license of an IRCTC base kitchen operated by RK Associates was canceled. Officials reportedly found a food handler working with an open, unbandaged wound on their finger, alongside rusted utensils and insects in the storage area.

Addressing the matter, an IRCTC spokesperson stated, “IRCTC has carried out the necessary improvements at the Kurla base kitchen in accordance with established standards. Operations in the kitchen will resume tomorrow. Work on necessary improvements is also underway at other locations.”

Zepto Facilities Shut

At quick-commerce company Zepto’s dark store in Malad West, food inspectors spotted live cockroaches roaming inside egg crates and on a table used for preparing beverages. Perishable items such as paneer, milk, and curd were stored at 15.8 degrees Celsius in a malfunctioning refrigeration unit.

The hub also lacked a drinking water pipeline, forcing staff to carry 20-liter water jars past an open sewage line. All these violations led to the immediate suspension of the license. Similarly, the license for Zepto’s Kalwa hub in Thane was also suspended after inspectors discovered expired products stored on the premises.

ALSO READ: Karnataka: FDA Seizes Medicines Worth Rs 4 Lakh From Amazon Facilities; Finds Expired Drinks At Bengaluru Club


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