The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) crackdown on food establishments in Mumbai’s Borivali West has resulted in a disturbing incident at Radhakrishna Hotel, where a dead rat was allegedly discovered in a dosa. This incident has occurred amid ongoing efforts led by FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe to ensure food safety during the festive season.

Amit Trivedi, accompanied by his two brothers and son, visited the restaurant to enjoy South Indian cuisine. After ordering a Mysore masala dosa, he reported that he encountered the dead rat after consuming a few bites, which reportedly caused him severe distress and prompted him to vomit.

Upon witnessing the shocking discovery, Trivedi contacted the local police to report the incident. Senior Police Inspector Pushpalata Mandale confirmed that the complaint was subsequently referred to the FDA, which initiated action against the hotel.

Ongoing Actions by the Maharashtra FDA

On the same day that the shocking incident was reported, the Maharashtra FDA also took decisive measures against another establishment, Kyani & Co. This historic Irani café and restaurant was found to be in violation of several hygiene regulations during a surprise inspection conducted by FDA chief Mundhe. The inspection revealed rampant issues such as rat droppings and live flies, along with dead cockroaches within the premises.

Kayani & Co., established in 1904, is one of Mumbai’s oldest remaining Irani cafés, famed for its traditional ambience and reasonable prices. However, the inspection, carried out on September 27, uncovered severe health code violations, including the discovery of blood accumulating in a refrigerator and an open sewage manhole in the food processing area.

The findings led to the suspension of Kyani & Co.’s Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence as part of a proactive drive under the FDA’s “Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra” initiative. This enforcement action illustrates the agency’s dedication to maintaining food safety standards throughout the state’s eateries.

Wider Crackdown on Food Establishments

The recent action by the Maharashtra FDA is part of a broader enforcement campaign targeting food establishments during the festive season, which ran from September 23 to 27. This initiative seized approximately 50,601.78 kg (about 50.60 tonnes) of various food items, including sweets, milk products, edible oils, and more, with a total estimated value of Rs 1.19 crore.

During this crackdown, the FDA suspended the licences of 30 food establishments across Maharashtra, including 13 in Mumbai, six in the Konkan region, eight in the Pune division, and three in Sambhajinagar. Inspectors conducted checks on 26 different establishments, leading to the confiscation of banned products valued at Rs 30.93 lakh, as well as the registration of 22 FIRs and the arrest of 30 individuals.

Additionally, three establishments were sealed during the operations, along with the seizure of three vehicles used in the distribution of unsafe food products. This extensive action underscores the authorities’ commitment to protecting public health and improving food safety standards throughout the state during the festive season.

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