Mumbai: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a major crackdown on food safety violations, suspending licenses of several establishments, including a McDonald's outlet and the Bombay Presidency Radio Club.
The action was taken after inspections revealed serious hygiene and safety lapses in kitchens across the state. The FDA inspected 89 hotels, restaurants and dhabas, issuing improvement notices to 71 establishments and suspending licenses of 13 outlets.
Cockroaches, Flies Found in Kitchen During Inspection
During an inspection at the Bombay Presidency Radio Club, FDA officials reportedly found live flies and dead cockroaches in the kitchen area.
Officials also flagged issues including food stored directly on the floor, unclean refrigerators, chemicals kept near food items and poor maintenance of kitchen facilities.
The establishment was directed to stop food-related activities during the suspension period.
McDonald's Outlet Failed to Fix Earlier Violations
A McDonald's Family Restaurant kiosk at Metro House, Colaba, operated by Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd, also faced license suspension.
According to the FDA, a reinspection found that 18 out of 20 previously identified deficiencies had not been corrected.
Officials reported finding live cockroaches, missing pest control measures, poor waste management, dirty cleaning equipment and hygiene lapses among employees handling ready-to-eat food.
Statewide Food Safety Drive Intensifies
The FDA action is part of the “Safe Food, Safe Drug, Safe Maharashtra” campaign aimed at improving food safety standards.
Several restaurants and food outlets in Mumbai, Pune division, Nagpur, Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar also faced action over sanitation and storage-related violations.
Authorities have warned food businesses to strictly follow hygiene norms and maintain safety standards to protect consumers.