MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of three eateries in Mumbai after inspections uncovered serious violations of hygiene and food safety standards.According to the FDA, six inspections were conducted, following which the licences of three food establishments in Bhendi Bazaar and Umarkhadi were suspended for non-compliance with food safety regulations.One eatery’s licence was suspended on July 14 after a re-inspection on Monday found that 25 major deficiencies flagged during an earlier inspection had not been addressed.The outlet was initially inspected on April 16, following which the FDA issued an improvement notice on April 28, news agency ANI reported.During the follow-up inspection, officials found wet and slippery kitchen floors, missing records related to raw material procurement, no documentation of drinking water quality tests, the absence of records on cooking oil quality, improper segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, and open windows without insect-proof screens, increasing the risk of pest infestation.Another restaurant’s licence was also suspended on Tuesday after an inspection on July 13 revealed several major hygiene lapses.These included thick deposits of burnt black oil on kitchen floors, open windows near food preparation areas allowing flies, insects and birds to enter, peeling paint, and heavy grease accumulation on walls and ceilings.Officials also found unhygienic storage of raw materials, lack of supplier records, use of old and dirty utensils, absence of drinking water quality test records, and inadequate drainage systems required for effective pest control.A third food establishment had its licence suspended with immediate effect on Monday after inspectors detected inadequate storage facilities for food items, chemicals and packaging materials, doors without insect-proof protection, and corroded and substandard equipment.The restaurant was also found to have peeling paint and damaged plaster on walls and ceilings, missing mandatory food testing records, and failure to carry out drinking water quality tests.The FDA said it will continue to take strict action against food businesses that violate food safety norms or endanger consumer health.(With agency inputs)
