Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licences of Multiple Outlets Over Hygiene Violations

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has suspended the food business licences of multiple establishments across the state, including the Bombay Presidency Radio Club and a McDonald's outlet in Mumbai, following inspections that revealed serious hygiene and safety violations. The enforcement action, part of a statewide crackdown, targeted hotels, restaurants, and eateries in several cities.

The Bombay Presidency Radio Club was directed to cease all food-related activities after an inspection on August 19 recorded a 47 percent noncompliance rate. Inspectors reported finding numerous live flies and dead cockroaches in the kitchen, along with peeling paint and plaster above food preparation areas. Chemicals, including washing powder, were stored near food, and items were found directly on the floor. Refrigerators used for nonvegetarian food were unclean, and other issues included improper thawing practices, an inadequately sealed kitchen door, and garbage bins placed near cooking stoves.

A McDonald's Family Restaurant kiosk in Colaba, operated by Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd, also had its FSSAI licence suspended immediately. A reinspection on August 19 found that 18 of 20...