Maharashtra FDA Tightens Food Safety Oversight After Hygiene Lapses Found in Mumbai Establishments

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified its food-safety enforcement drive after inspections in Mumbai uncovered hygiene and compliance deficiencies at several food establishments, including an IRCTC-linked base kitchen and outlets at ISKCON Juhu.

At R K Associates & Hoteliers in Kurla West, which supplies meals to railway passengers through the IRCTC network, inspectors reported live cockroaches in food storage and processing areas. Food was also found uncovered, while preparation activities were taking place near open garbage. Damaged flooring and walls, unclean utensils and deficiencies in food transportation arrangements were among the other concerns identified.

The inspection also highlighted weaknesses in documentation and personnel controls. Records relating to employee training, equipment maintenance and calibration, packaging, and cooking and cooling temperatures were incomplete. Of 34 food handlers, only 21 reportedly had medical fitness certificates.

Separate inspections at three food establishments at ISKCON Juhu identified deficiencies involving pest control, drainage, cleaning, food storage and segregation. Inspectors also noted gaps in water and food testing, raw-material inspection, equipment calibration and employee health and training records. The licences of the three establishments were subsequently suspended.

The findings offer an important practical lesson in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for the food sector. Effective food-safety management depends not only on clean premises but also on pest prevention, temperature control, equipment maintenance, personnel hygiene, proper storage and reliable documentation.

The enforcement action demonstrates how shortcomings in routine operational controls can develop into significant regulatory concerns and potentially compromise food safety.

10-09-2026