1 day ago
Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licences Over Widespread Food Safety Lapses
Food safety officers in Maharashtra inspected several places that make or sell food.
They found dirty storage areas, cockroaches, unsafe water and food without proper labels.
A Blinkit centre in Akola had not fixed problems found during an earlier inspection.
A hotel in Kurla received only 24 out of 88 points for cleanliness.
Officials also found serious problems at a food outlet in Malad, including workers without required medical certificates.
In Miraj, officers destroyed milk they said was unsafe and reported that someone tried to interfere with official seals.
The businesses can be given a chance to fix violations, so a suspension does not always mean permanent closure.
The FDA said it will continue inspections and take legal action when necessary.
The Maharashtra FDA suspended Blink Commerce Private Limited’s Akola food licence after a re-inspection found unresolved storage, cleaning and employee-hygiene violations.
Gulzar Mohammadi Hotel in Kurla West scored 24 of 88 points after inspectors reported cockroaches, contaminated food, poor drainage and severe unhygienic conditions.
A Malad West food outlet was cited for unfiltered water, unlabelled dairy products, pest infestations, uncertified handlers and producing foods beyond its licence category.
FDA officials seized and destroyed 151 litres of unsafe milk worth Rs 6,488 in Miraj taluka and reported alleged tampering with official seals.
Between May 25 and July 31, Maharashtra FDA inspections led to 764 improvement notices, 165 licence suspensions and the seizure or destruction of 28.66 lakh kg of food products.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration, led by Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, acted against Blink Commerce Private Limited’s Akola centre, Gulzar Mohammadi Hotel, a Malad West food outlet and a dairy facility in Miraj taluka.
- What
- The FDA suspended food licences or registration certificates, prohibited the Kurla hotel from handling food during its suspension and seized and destroyed unsafe milk.
- Where
- The establishments were in Akola, Malad West, Kurla West and Miraj taluka, Maharashtra; an earlier Blinkit food-safety concern occurred in Kalyan, Thane.
- When
- The actions were reported on Tuesday; the Kurla hotel was inspected on August 27, and the Akola licence suspension followed a hearing on August 31. Broader enforcement figures cover May 25 to July 31.
- Why
- Inspections found hygiene, storage, pest, labelling, water-testing, employee-certification and food-licensing violations, as well as alleged tampering with official seals.
Regulator’s Findings
Establishments’ Procedural Position
Reason for suspensions
Regulator’s Findings
The FDA said inspections found serious hygiene, storage, pest-control, licensing and food-safety violations, including deficiencies that had not been corrected at the Akola centre.
Establishments’ Procedural Position
The articles do not report responses from the affected businesses, but the FDA said establishments can rectify violations and seek revocation of suspensions after hearings and compliance verification.
Malad licence identity
Regulator’s Findings
One report identifies the Malad establishment as Delhi Sweet and Bhelpuri House and details violations involving water, dairy products and food handlers.
Establishments’ Procedural Position
Another report says the food licence of Blink Commerce Private Limited was suspended in Malad West; the articles do not explain this difference in identification.
Meaning of suspension
Regulator’s Findings
The FDA said suspension is necessary to prevent businesses from continuing food activities while serious violations remain unresolved.
Establishments’ Procedural Position
Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said suspension does not necessarily mean permanent closure and that eligible establishments may receive interim relief after compliance is verified.
Key facts
- Akola action
- Blink Commerce Private Limited’s state food licence was suspended until further orders after a re-inspection found uncorrected deficiencies, including poor storage, unsuitable racks, food kept on the floor and no regular cleaning schedule.
- Kurla hygiene score
- Gulzar Mohammadi Hotel scored 24 out of 88 points, or 28 per cent, during an August 27 inspection.
- Malad findings
- Inspectors reported unfiltered tap water, unlabelled paneer, lassi without expiry dates, cockroaches, food stored on the floor and unsafe food-handling practices.
- Food-handler certificates
- Twenty-six of 36 food handlers at the Malad establishment lacked mandatory medical certificates.
- Licence mismatch
- The Malad establishment was reported to be producing and repacking lassi, sweets, paneer and farsan while licensed only for Category 16, Prepared Foods.
- Miraj seizure
- The FDA seized and destroyed 151 litres of unsafe milk valued at Rs 6,488 and reported alleged tampering with an official seal on a cream separator.
- Statewide enforcement
- From May 25 to July 31, the FDA inspected 3,137 food establishments, issued 764 improvement notices and suspended 165 licences; appeals were filed in 103 suspension cases.
Sources
Related news
Maharashtra FDA Suspends Blinkit Food Licence Over Cockroach Infestation
Mumbai FDA Suspends 10 Licences, Seizes Expired Drinks in Crackdown
Maharashtra FDA crackdown seals Pune Burger King over hygiene lapses
Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licences Amid Mumbai Food Safety Violations
