Key Development 

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a surprise inspection at the MLA canteen in Mumbai’s Nariman Point on July 25. Acting on media reports and public complaints about unhygienic conditions, the FDA team visited the government-run facility and uncovered 19 food safety and hygiene violations. Although the food tested met freshness and quality parameters, FDA Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar confirmed multiple operational and hygiene-related failures. “Our team found fresh food with no immediate health risk, but serious lapses in safety protocols—such as poor storage, lack of pest control, and no hygiene training for staff—were evident,” he stated.

Violations and Enforcement Action

The key violations in the MLA Canteen included:

• Improper segregation of raw and cooked food
• Inadequate temperature control
• Absence of hygiene records for food handlers
• Unclean food preparation surfaces
• No pest control certification

The FDA issued a formal notice to the canteen operator under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, directing immediate corrective action. Authorities also announced a follow-up inspection to ensure compliance.

A Wake-Up Call for Institutional Kitchens

This case highlights the urgent need for Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in institutional kitchens, including government-run canteens. With growing regulatory oversight, both public and private foodservice providers must align with FSSAI standards. The incident serves as a warning to industrial caterers, hospitality services, and institutional food operators to conduct regular hygiene audits, train staff in food safety, and invest in proper infrastructure to avoid penalties and protect public trust.

Source: Food & Beverage News