FDA Suspends Licences of Five BKC Establishments
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of five establishments in Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) following inspections that found serious hygiene and safety violations. The move is part of a larger enforcement drive against food safety lapses across the state, as reported by Lokmat Times.
Among the suspended outlets is the popular restaurant Ayub's, located near Fort, Mumbai. According to Free Press Journal, an FDA inspection at the eatery found houseflies, open drains, stagnant water, and improper storage of eggs. The licence was suspended from August 23 under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
The FDA said the violations pointed to 'serious weaknesses' in the establishment's basic food safety systems, warning of an increased risk of microbial contamination, cross-contamination, and unsafe food reaching consumers. The regulator highlighted improper storage of eggs and other perishables, noting—according to an NDTV report referenced by the Free Press Journal—that failure to maintain prescribed temperatures could allow microorganisms to multiply and raise the risk of food-borne illnesses.
Action Against Cafe Cadell
Earlier on Tuesday, the FDA also suspended the FSSAI licence of Cafe Cadell, another outlet near Mahim-Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Officials found dirty cutlery, mixing of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, inadequate kitchen ventilation, insufficient pest-control measures, unsuitable food-contact equipment, and slippery, non-compliant flooring at the premises.
Statewide Drive Against Banned Products
In a parallel enforcement drive, the Maharashtra FDA intensified its action against banned gutkha, pan masala, and other prohibited products across the state between August 21 and 23, according to Lokmat Times. During this period, the agency registered 13 first information reports, arrested 17 people, and seized banned stock worth ₹6,61,888. The action was reported across five divisions: Mumbai, Konkan, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Nagpur.
In Mumbai, two establishments faced action, four people were arrested, one establishment was sealed, and banned stock worth ₹1,27,010 was seized. Konkan saw the highest number of actions, with eight establishments targeted, eight arrests, a vehicle worth ₹8 lakh seized, and stock worth ₹1,27,010 confiscated. Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar each accounted for one establishment, with stock worth ₹1,42,780 seized and two arrests in each location. In Nagpur, one establishment was targeted, with stock worth ₹1,22,308 seized and one person arrested.
Commissioner's Statement
Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the administration's stance on food quality and law enforcement is firm. 'We will not tolerate any compromise with public health. Safe and pure food is every citizen's right,' he stated. Mundhe added that those found adulterating food or dealing in banned items would face stricter action and that the enforcement drive would continue.
The suspension of Ayub's and other establishments is part of the statewide food safety drive initiated under Mundhe's guidance, as noted by the Free Press Journal.