FDA suspends 13 food establishments’ licences across four districts in Maharashtra

Delhi's Marche Retail Pvt Ltd has been hit with a severe penalty by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which has suspended its license for 30 days over serious violations related to hygiene and staff training. The decision came after an inspection uncovered major non-compliances in the operation of the food business premises. Additionally, the FSSAI has issued a prohibition order against SDP Industries Pvt Ltd based in Daman, banning the sale of all variants of ghee due to non-compliant products and adulteration concerns. The FSSAI cited deficiencies in Marche Retail's operations, including issues with the design of facilities, operational controls, sanitation, personal hygiene, and food-handling training. The authority instructed the company to cease all food-related activities and to correct these shortcomings within the given timeframe. Similarly, SDP Industries was found to have ghee products that contained A-sitosterol, a plant sterol not permitted in ghee, alongside irregularities in fatty acid composition. These findings indicated possible contamination with foreign or vegetable fats, prompting the regulator to halt sales of all its ghee products immediately. This enforcement action reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny by food safety regulators across India. Recent inspections have led to the suspension of licenses for numerous food establishments, ranging from fast-food chains to traditional eateries. For instance, in Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under the leadership of Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, has taken decisive action against several food outlets, including a McDonald's outlet in south Mumbai and the Bombay Presidency Radio Club. These actions followed inspections revealing serious violations such as the presence of live insects, unsanitary conditions, and improper food storage. At the McDonald's outlet in Colaba, a reinspection found that 18 out of 20 deficiencies listed in an earlier improvement notice remained unaddressed. Issues included uncalibrated refrigeration units, live cockroaches, missing pest control measures, and contaminated surfaces. Despite submitting a detailed compliance report, the outlet failed to resolve critical safety concerns. In response, McDonald's India stated that it maintains stringent food safety protocols and is committed to adhering to regulatory guidelines. Other establishments in Mumbai, such as Novaara restaurant in Malad and Status Restaurant in Nariman Point, also saw their licenses suspended for failing to meet hygiene and safety standards. Violations ranged from outdated kitchen equipment to improper food handling practices and inadequate documentation. The FDA's rigorous inspections have extended to quick-commerce warehouses, where instances of expired products and pests have prompted temporary shutdowns. Commissioner Mundhe's aggressive approach has garnered both admiration and concern. While many in the public and media praise his commitment to enforcing food safety laws, some business owners argue that the swift suspension notices bypass established procedural steps. Legal challenges have emerged, with some seeking judicial intervention to mitigate the impact of these measures. However, officials maintain that the actions are justified under existing legal frameworks aimed at protecting consumer health. Consumer advocacy groups and individual patrons have expressed support for Mundhe's efforts, citing improved awareness and accountability in the food sector. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, the focus remains on ensuring that all food businesses adhere to strict hygiene and safety standards, safeguarding public health and maintaining consumer trust.