MUMBAI: The FDA on Tuesday suspended the licence of three restaurants of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Hare Krishna Land, Juhu, for “serious violation of food safety and hygiene rules”.The restaurants, ISKCON’s Govinda’s Restaurant, Food Services Restaurant, and another food establishment on the premises, were inspected on Sept 3.At Govinda’s, the FDA team found that periodic testing of drinking water was not being done and raw materials were also not cleaned before food preparation. Water was found accumulated in the cold storage room and the drains were choked. The drains did not have grease or cockroach traps.“There also was evidence of pest infestation and some food handlers were working without the aprons and gloves,” said the FDA release.At Food Services, the team found there was no proper segregation of raw and cooked food items. “Remains of insect feces were found in the store room,” said the FDA.The restaurant was not carrying out the necessary testing of food items, and there was not enough lighting in the establishment and store room. “Edible oil was not being checked periodically for colour, taste, and floating particles,” said the FDA, adding that medical check-up and vaccination of food handlers were not done.At another restaurant on the premises, the team found “serious deficiencies” regarding food safety, sanitation, pest control, personal hygiene, food storage, equipment maintenance, and training and record management.Issuing a statement, ISKCON Juhu said: “We have received a notice from FDA following an inspection of our kitchen and food operations conducted on Sept 3. Following the inspection, the FDA assessed the current level of compliance at 70% and identified certain areas requiring corrective action. Our representatives are in communication with the FDA, and, in accordance with its guidance, we have already initiated necessary measures to... achieve full compliance with all applicable food safety and regulatory standards. The safety, hygiene and well-being of our devotees, guests… remain our highest priority. Until the necessary corrective measures are completed and full compliance is achieved, kitchen operations at ISKCON Juhu will remain closed.”
