Key Update

On July 23, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspected Mumbai’s iconic Poornima Restaurant in Fort and found multiple food safety and hygiene violations. Based on the findings, the FDA suspended the restaurant’s FSSAI licence with immediate effect.

The popular Udupi eatery, which has served customers for more than six decades near the Bombay Stock Exchange and Bombay House, violated several provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and failed to meet the prescribed hygiene standards.

Inspectors Discover Fungal Growth on Food Ingredients

FDA officials found fungal growth on stored raw vegetables, including drumsticks used to prepare sambar and bananas used in the restaurant’s signature banana vada. Officials warned that fungal contamination inside a kitchen can pose significant food safety risks, particularly in areas where acidic foods such as idli and dosa batter are prepared.

Improper Food Storage Raises Cross-Contamination Risk

Inspectors also found raw, contaminated ingredients stored alongside cooked and frozen food items, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.

The inspection further revealed several hygiene concerns, including:

• Flies inside the food preparation area
• Stagnant water
• Dirty drains without cockroach traps
• Walls and ceilings with peeling paint and rust

Restaurant Failed to Meet Basic Food Safety Requirements

The FDA also observed that the restaurant had not maintained mandatory medical fitness records or periodic health check-up records for food handlers. In addition, inspectors found refrigeration units with improperly sealed doors and non-food-grade plastic barrels being used to store pickles without the required food-contact compliance certification.

FDA Suspends Licence Until Compliance

Citing the seriousness of the violations and the potential risk to public health, the Maharashtra FDA suspended the restaurant’s FSSAI licence with immediate effect. The restaurant must address the identified deficiencies and comply with food safety regulations before authorities consider restoring its licence.

Source: The Indian Express