The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acted against five major clubs in Mumbai, suspending their food licences due to severe breaches of food safety standards and hygiene protocols. The FDA initiated this action after inspections revealed critical issues, including pest infestations and improper food handling practices. One club has been instructed to cease operations for not possessing a valid licence, while another received an improvement notice requiring urgent action.

The establishments affected are The Cricket Club of India, RK Juhu Gymkhana, The Aparna Juhu Gymkhana, MIG Cricket Club located in Bandra East, and The Willingdon Sports Club. Inspections carried out during a special drive exposed numerous violations that spanned various facets of food safety and sanitation.

Major Violations Detected in Inspections

At The Cricket Club of India, inspectors found a lack of segregation between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food preparation areas, indicating poor hygiene practices. There was a substantial infestation of live cockroaches and flies present in food handling zones, along with water condensation directly dripping onto stored food. Additionally, improper waste management practices, such as stored mouldy vegetables and expired items, were noted, along with issues related to food-contact vessels and inadequate food labelling practices.

At RK Juhu Gymkhana, inspectors cited inadequate personal hygiene facilities and unsatisfactory structural conditions, including damaged walls and ceilings that could contaminate food. Records covering the usage of frying oil were missing, and raw materials had not been cleaned properly. The club also had no updated cleaning schedule, which is critical for maintaining sanitary conditions.

The Aparna Juhu Gymkhana was found with rusted cooking equipment that posed cleanliness issues, as well as inadequate sanitary facilities for staff. Concerns about the use of non-certified packaging material for food and improper food segregation were also raised. The absence of internal food safety audits further highlighted the club’s lack of compliance with standard protocols.

Wider Impact on Food Establishments in Maharashtra

Further findings at the MIG Cricket Club in Bandra East indicated the presence of an unauthorised catering service operating without a valid FSSAI licence. A significant presence of pests, such as live cockroaches and spider webs in food preparation areas, alongside the lack of food safety testing, signalled serious non-compliance with regulations.

Another establishment, The Willingdon Sports Club, faced similar scrutiny, with inspectors noting inadequate monitoring of food and storage temperatures. The facilities were found to have slippery and unclean floors, while outdated food testing records raised more concerns. The lack of adherence to hygiene and labelling guidelines added to the deficiencies identified during inspections.

In a separate enforcement move, the FDA also ordered the Goregaon Sports Club in Malad West to stop all food service operations due to its failure to obtain the necessary FSSAI registration. This club has been cited for breaching the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011, emphasising the ongoing commitment of the Maharashtra FDA towards stringent food safety enforcement.

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