Maharashtra FDA suspends 105 food licences before Diwali

Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration suspended 105 food-business licences and ordered seven establishments to stop operating during a statewide Diwali inspection drive on November 4 and 5. The department also reported seizing suspected unsafe or adulterated food worth about ₹1.35 crore from more than 69 establishments.

The FDA’s figures, reported by the department, cover a two-day operation across the state. Mumbai accounted for 28 of the licence suspensions. Nashik had 39, Pune 20 and Amravati 15, according to the reported breakdown. Of the seven closure orders, three were in Pune, two in Amravati, and one each in Mumbai and the Konkan region.

The named businesses included quick-commerce platforms Blinkit and Zepto, whose licences were suspended, and Rajdhani Biryani Centre in Borivali, which was ordered to stop operating. Other businesses reported as facing action included Biryani By Kilo, Tossin Pizza and Jumbo Burger. The reports did not provide individual inspection notices or detailed findings for each named business.

Inspectors reported problems involving hygiene, food storage and handling, packaging, temperature controls and pest control. Some establishments also...