Mumbai: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licence of a Swiggy Instamart dark store in Mumbai’s Ballard Estate after
an inspection found several hygiene and food safety violations.
The facility, operated by Swinsta ENT Pvt Ltd, was found to have live rodents and cockroaches in areas used for handling food. Inspectors also found rodent droppings in storage areas and rice bags that had been gnawed open. Rice grains had spilled onto floors that were found to be contaminated.
The FDA also found an operational toilet next to the food storage area that was not maintained properly. Authorities noted that the condition could increase the risk of pathogens spreading to areas where food was stored.
The action against the Ballard Estate facility comes days after the FDA reported similar hygiene concerns at Olympia Coffee House in Colaba.
The food regulator also suspended the licence of an Amazon warehouse and dark store in Kandivli East. The facility, operated by Acculogicx Supply Chain Solutions, was found to have stagnant wastewater and inadequate segregation between food and non-food products.
Inspectors also found chemicals stored close to food packaging materials. The facility reportedly did not maintain the required temperature records, according to the findings.
The FDA has also suspended the licences of several other food establishments in Mumbai over hygiene-related violations.
Those facing action include Suleman Usman Mithaiwala on Mohammed Ali Road, Nice Enterprises in Chembur, Jain Sweet & Bhelpuri House in Kandivli West, Go Green Food Hospitality in Ghatkopar East and Swad Snacks Corner in Lalbaug and Parel.
Lucknowi Kebab and Zaika Moradabadi Hotel in Versova were also among the establishments whose licences were suspended.
The inspections and subsequent action come as the food regulator continues to check food businesses and storage facilities for compliance with hygiene and safety requirements.
