The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stepped up enforcement against food safety violations, taking action against eateries, fruit sellers
and food businesses across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Palghar and Solapur.
The agency suspended the licences of eight eateries and cancelled or suspended the registration certificates of three other establishments in Mumbai over violations involving hygiene, food storage, documentation and safety standards.
The crackdown also resulted in the seizure of nearly 1,400 kg of chemically ripened bananas, banned tobacco products and adulterated milk, officials said.
In Navi Mumbai, the FDA registered a case at the APMC police station after a worker at a fruit stall was allegedly found dipping bananas in a solution containing ethephon, a plant growth regulator.
Officials seized 1,394 kg of bananas worth around Rs 67,814 during the operation. The agency said the use of such chemicals can leave residues on the fruit and pose food safety concerns.
Eleven establishments in the Mumbai division faced action during the inspections. Five were located in the western suburbs, while six were in south Mumbai.
At Nom Nom Restaurant in Borivali, officials found frozen and stored food being kept at unsuitable temperatures. Inspectors also reported missing purchase bills and audit records, the presence of flies and insects, and incomplete health records for food handlers.
At Satkar Caterers, which operates the staff canteen at RN Cooper Municipal General Hospital in Vile Parle, inspectors found flies and cockroaches and inadequate separation between raw and cooked food.
Inspectors also found food stored alongside cleaning chemicals at Suraj Lama Momos in Andheri. The establishment was also found to have inadequate cleaning facilities and incomplete health and training records for workers.
Tardeo Lunch Home and Shagun Veg Restaurant in Mumbai Central were inspected following complaints about kitchen hygiene. Officials reported improper refrigeration, uncovered food, flies and inadequate cleaning and documentation.
At Roshan Bakery in Mazgaon, the FDA found rusted and unclean baking equipment, uncovered food, non-food-grade packaging and reused cooking oil.
The FDA also seized prohibited food products worth Rs 31.14 lakh from three establishments in Mumbai. Three FIRs were registered in connection with these operations, leading to the arrest of three people.
Separate operations in Palghar resulted in the seizure of banned pan masala, gutkha and scented tobacco.
In Solapur’s Malshiras, the FDA registered two cases after detecting milk allegedly adulterated with detergent. Around 16,730 litres of milk, valued at approximately Rs 6.69 lakh, was destroyed.
