Key Update

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action against several food establishments linked to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and ISKCON Juhu after inspections uncovered multiple food safety and hygiene violations.

As part of the inspections, the FDA checked five IRCTC-linked establishments across Mumbai and Thane, along with food outlets operating on the ISKCON Juhu premises. Officials identified several lapses, including poor hygiene, improper food storage, pest-related concerns, clogged drains, inadequate testing and missing food safety records.

FDA Suspends IRCTC-linked Establishment’s Licence

Among the IRCTC-linked establishments, the FDA suspended the licence of RK Associates & Hoteliers Pvt Ltd in Kurla West from September 8 until further orders. Officials first inspected the establishment on September 2 and later conducted a follow-up inspection. When the inspection team found that the establishment had not addressed serious deficiencies, the FDA suspended its licence.

The FDA also issued improvement notices to four other IRCTC-linked establishments — Om Sai Ram Enterprises and Ambuj Hotels & Real Estate Pvt Ltd in Chembur, Express Food Services in Powai, and Araha Hospitality Pvt Ltd in Kopri Colony, Thane East. These establishments must address the deficiencies identified during the inspections and comply with the required food safety standards.

FDA Acts Against ISKCON Juhu Outlets

The FDA’s inspections also covered food establishments operating at ISKCON Juhu on September 3. Following these inspections, the department suspended the licences of three establishments after finding several food safety and hygiene violations.

Officials found that the establishments did not adequately test food and drinking water and failed to properly separate raw and cooked food. They also identified clogged drains, water accumulation and conditions that could encourage pest activity. The inspection team found pest droppings inside a storeroom at one restaurant. Officials also identified an open rear kitchen entrance that could allow pests to enter. In addition, food handlers did not wear the required protective clothing.

Along with these physical hygiene concerns, the FDA identified gaps in record-keeping. The establishments could not produce records related to employees’ medical examinations, vaccinations and food safety training.

Govinda’s Restaurant Among Establishments Facing Action

At Govinda’s Restaurant, inspectors similarly identified shortcomings in food handling and hygiene practices. They found inadequate checks of raw materials, improper segregation of food, drainage issues and gaps in pest-control measures. The FDA also found missing records related to staff medical fitness and food safety training. These findings highlight the need for food establishments to maintain both proper hygiene practices and the records required to demonstrate compliance.

The FDA has stressed that measures such as proper food storage, hygiene, pest control, food testing and staff safety training form an essential part of food safety compliance.

The establishments facing licence suspensions and improvement notices must now rectify the reported deficiencies and meet the prescribed food safety requirements before they can resume operations or regain regulatory approval.

Source: Free Press Journal