Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended food licences of five hotels, restaurants and food establishments after inspections uncovered serious hygiene violations across the state. The action followed inspections of 31 food establishments on Tuesday. Further, FDA issued improvement notices to 22 establishments, while five had their licences suspended for violating food safety norms. The department also seized banned products and other food items worth around ₹25 lakh.

Rats found inside Malad hotel kitchen

In Mumbai, FDA officials found severe sanitation lapses at Hotel Radha in Malad West. A large rat was seen entering the kitchen, while another was spotted near the ceiling during the inspection. Officials also found inadequate waste disposal and sanitation arrangements. The establishment's food business licence was subsequently suspended under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Raw meat stored in plastic bags at Kurla eatery

At Janata Tawa and Grill in Kurla, inspectors found raw poultry and meat stored in plastic bags with accumulated liquid. The kitchen also had inadequate waste disposal facilities. Food handlers at the establishment did not have updated medical fitness certificates, prompting FDA to suspend its licence.

College canteen also faces licence suspension

A canteen operating at Saraswati College of Engineering in Kharghar was also among the establishments whose licence was suspended. FDA officials cited shortcomings in food safety, hygiene and pest-control measures.

Banned products worth Rs 11.40 lakh seized

The wider enforcement drive also targeted the sale and storage of banned products. FDA seized gutkha, pan masala, flavoured supari and other prohibited products worth ₹11.40 lakh from eight establishments across the Mumbai, Konkan, Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisions. The action resulted in 10 arrests, eight FIRs and the sealing of six establishments. The department also seized around 14,552 kg of milk and dairy products, bakery products and other food items valued at approximately ₹13.90 lakh. Samples from selected establishments were sent to authorised laboratories for testing.

Expired food found at Vaijapur shop

In another case in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, FDA officials found expired food products and unhygienic conditions at Parmeshthi Super Shoppe near Devagiri Hospital in Vaijapur. Action was initiated against the food business operator.

FDA warns food businesses over violations

The inspections were carried out under the FDA's Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra campaign. The department has directed food businesses to maintain hygienic premises, ensure proper food storage and temperature control, manage waste safely and implement effective pest-control measures.

Additionally, FDA has warned that violations will attract action under the Food Safety and Standards Act and applicable regulations.