The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has commenced significant enforcement measures against food safety violations. The agency suspended the licences of eight eateries and confiscated 1,300 kilograms of chemically ripened bananas, along with other prohibited food items. This information was confirmed by an official statement on Tuesday.

In Mumbai, the FDA targeted eleven establishments for various infractions related to food safety, hygiene, storage practices, and documentation issues. Actions included suspensions of licences for eight eateries and cancellations of registration certificates for three additional establishments. Furthermore, criminal cases were registered following separate operations concerning the seizure of banned food products.

According to officials, a case was lodged at the APMC police station in Navi Mumbai. This occurred after an employee at a fruit stall was apprehended for using a solution of ethephon, a plant growth regulator, to accelerate the ripening of bananas—a practice that poses health risks due to the chemical residues left behind.

Details of Food Safety Violations

The FDA’s operations in the Mumbai division revealed concerning lapses in food safety practices. Among the establishments facing action, five were based in the western suburbs while six were located in south Mumbai. Notably, inspectors discovered significant violations at Nom Nom Restaurant in Borivali, including improper food storage temperatures, missing purchase invoices, flies in the food area, and inadequate health records for food handlers.

At Satkar Caterers, which operates the staff canteen for RN Cooper Municipal General Hospital in Vile Parle, inspectors found unsanitary conditions, including the presence of flies and cockroaches. Furthermore, there were issues with the separation of raw and cooked foods. This highlights the challenges faced by eateries in maintaining necessary hygiene standards.

Another establishment, Suraj Lama Momos in Andheri, faced penalties for storing food and cleaning chemicals inappropriately. The establishment also lacked suitable cleaning facilities and failed to keep adequate records of worker health and training. Similar complaints were directed towards Tardeo Lunch Home and Shagun Veg Restaurant in Mumbai Central, where inadequate kitchen hygiene practices were observed, including improper refrigeration and uncovered food items.

Additional Seizures and Enforcement Actions

Aside from the immediate actions taken against local eateries, the FDA conducted broader operations that led to the seizure of prohibited food products valued at Rs 31.14 lakh from three different establishments in Mumbai. These actions culminated in the registration of three First Information Reports (FIRs), resulting in the arrest of three individuals.

In Palghar, the FDA seized banned pan masala, gutkha, and fragrant tobacco, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to eliminating the sale of hazardous food items. The situation in the Pune division also caught attention, with two cases being registered regarding milk contaminated with detergent in Malshiras, Solapur district. During this operation, it was reported that 16,730 litres of milk, estimated to be worth around Rs 6.69 lakh, was destroyed as a precautionary measure.

These multifaceted operations underscore the FDA’s ongoing efforts to ensure food safety and uphold hygiene standards in the food industry. As these actions continue, the agency aims to mitigate health risks associated with unsafe food practices and protect consumer welfare.

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