Maharashtra FDA Action: The Maharashtra Food And Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licence of ISKCON’s Govindas Restaurant in Juhu, Mumbai, after an inspection found several violations of food safety
and hygiene norms.
The FDA also suspended the licences of two other food establishments at the ISKCON Juhu premises following an inspection conducted on September 3.
Pest Infestation, Choked Drains Found
At Govindas Restaurant, FDA inspectors found pest infestation, choked drains and water accumulation in the cold-storage area.
The inspection also flagged inadequate segregation of raw and cooked food, along with shortcomings in raw-material inspection, food and drinking-water testing, cleaning, drainage and pest control.
VIDEO | Mumbai: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of an IRCTC-linked supplier in Kurla and three food establishments at ISKCON, Juhu, for alleged violations of norms. Visuals of ISKCON temple.
(Full video available on PTI Videos… pic.twitter.com/a6OzYGEwQt
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 9, 2026
Officials also pointed to gaps in equipment calibration, food-handler hygiene and training, medical fitness records and periodic food-safety audits.
The licence suspension order was issued on September 7 and took immediate effect after the inspection report and photographs were reviewed.
Two More ISKCON Food Establishments Face Action
At another ISKCON food establishment, inspectors found inadequate records of periodic water testing and improper raw-material inspection.
They also flagged unsuitable temperature and humidity conditions for storing raw and prepared food, inadequate cleaning, pest infestation and improper storage of food and non-food items.
At the ISKCON Food Services-Restaurant, inspectors found an open rear kitchen entrance without adequate pest-control measures, clogged drains containing food waste and pest droppings.
The FDA also reported gaps in cleaning, lighting, raw-material inspection and records related to medical examinations, vaccinations and food-safety training.
ISKCON Says Kitchen Will Remain Closed
In a statement dated September 8, ISKCON Juhu said it had received the FDA notice following the September 3 inspection.
The organisation said the FDA had assessed its current level of compliance at 70% and identified certain areas requiring corrective action.
ISKCON said it was already taking steps to address the observations and was in communication with the FDA.
“The safety, hygiene and well-being of our devotees, guests and all those we serve remain our highest priority,” the organisation said.
ISKCON said its kitchen operations at Juhu would remain closed until the necessary corrective measures are completed and full compliance is achieved.
It also said it was extending full cooperation to the authorities and remained committed to maintaining the required food safety and hygiene standards.
The action comes as the Maharashtra FDA carries out a wider enforcement drive against food businesses over violations of food safety and hygiene norms.
The department has also taken action against several other food establishments in Mumbai and neighbouring areas.
