- Maharashtra FDA suspended licences of seven Mumbai food establishments for hygiene violations
- Olympia Coffee House licence revoked after inspection found cockroach infestation and poor hygiene
- Blink Commerce in Chembur faced licence suspension due to health and hygiene standard breaches
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of seven food establishments in Mumbai, including Colaba's Olympia Coffee House and Blink Commerce Private Limited in Chembur, following inspections that found violations of food safety and hygiene standards.
The action was taken as part of a wider festive-season crackdown by the state FDA, Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said in a press note dated September 17.
Among the seven Mumbai establishments facing immediate licence suspension are Olympia Coffee House in Colaba, Blink Commerce Private Limited in Chembur, Vishwas Sweets and Snacks in Ghatkopar West, A-1 General & Dry Fruits in Ghatkopar West, Nair Hospital Canteen in Mumbai Central, Milan Punjab in Worli and Sadguru Sweets in Malad East.
Olympia Coffee House Licence Suspended
The FDA said the licence of Olympia Coffee House in Colaba was suspended with immediate effect following a consumer complaint received through the “Safe Food Safe Maharashtra” campaign.
According to the FDA, inspectors found several food safety and hygiene deficiencies at the establishment. These included a urinal in the food storage area, unhygienic food preparation and utensil-washing facilities, food being handled directly on the floor, use of unclean water and infestation of cockroaches and flies.
The FDA also reported meat blood residues inside a refrigerator, improper segregation of raw vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, damaged wooden chopping boards and a lack of appropriate protective clothing among food handlers.
The establishment has been directed to stop the purchase, preparation, storage, sale and distribution of food during the suspension period. The FDA said further action would depend on rectification of the deficiencies and a satisfactory re-inspection.
Blinkit Facility In Chembur Also Faces Action
The FDA also suspended the licence of Blink Commerce Private Limited at Pestom Sagar Road No. 4 in Chembur following an inspection on September 16.
The department said the facility was found to be in violation of hygiene and health standards. The licence was suspended forthwith, while further legal action is underway, according to the FDA.
Vishwas Sweets and Snacks in Ghatkopar West was also inspected on September 16. The FDA said violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act and prescribed hygiene standards were found, leading to immediate suspension of its licence.
The licence of A-1 General & Dry Fruits, also in Ghatkopar West, was suspended after FDA inspectors found violations of food safety regulations.
ALSO READ: Tukaram Mundhe Strikes Again: FDA Seizes Khoya, Paneer, Ghee & More In Statewide Crackdown
At Nair Hospital Canteen in Mumbai Central, the FDA said serious food safety and hygiene violations were found. In Worli, Milan Punjab was found to have violated hygiene and health standards under Schedule IV, Part II of the food safety regulations. Its licence was suspended forthwith.
The seventh Mumbai establishment, Sadguru Sweets in Malad East, was also found to be non-compliant with prescribed hygiene and food safety standards. Its licence has been suspended and further legal action will follow, the FDA said.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.