The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licence of M/s BJRS (Gallops) Restaurant, located inside the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse, following an inspection that found multiple food safety and hygiene violations.The licence has been suspended with immediate effect after FDA officials documented several violations under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations.<h2>What did the FDA inspection find?</h2>According to the inspection findings, officials found blood and ketchup stains from non-vegetarian food items on ice kept inside a refrigerator. Raw materials were also found stored in torn and damaged packaging.The inspection further flagged grease accumulation in the kitchen and deteriorated walls on the premises.Concerns were also raised over sanitation and pest control. Officials found inadequately covered drainage areas and cockroach traps, along with live cockroaches and ants on the premises.The inspection also recorded water stagnation, adding to the hygiene concerns identified by the food safety authorities.<h2>Food-handler records also flagged</h2>The FDA found that the restaurant did not have adequate records showing the annual medical examination and vaccination of food handlers.Such documentation forms part of the prescribed food safety and hygiene requirements for establishments involved in preparing and serving food.<h2>A nearly four-decade-old Mumbai restaurant</h2>The FDA action comes against the backdrop of Gallops’ long association with Mumbai’s dining and racing culture.Gallops was established on September 1, 1986, and has been operating from the Mahalaxmi Racecourse premises for nearly four decades. The restaurant was founded by Rahul Malik, Jasmine Singh and Bobby Singh, after they won a bid to operate a restaurant at the Royal Western India Turf Club.The restaurant began from a modest space and went on to become a familiar name among Mumbai diners, particularly those associated with the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. It has been known for its Indian and Continental cuisine and its location overlooking the racecourse.Gallops marked its 33rd anniversary in 2019, including by bringing back dishes from its original 1986 menu. The restaurant also underwent a major revamp in 2024, reportedly its first significant renovation in more than two decades.<h2>Licence suspended with immediate effect</h2>Following the inspection, the FDA suspended the restaurant’s licence with immediate effect over the violations recorded during the inspection.The action means the restaurant cannot conduct food business under the suspended licence unless and until the regulatory requirements are addressed and the competent authority permits operations to resume, subject to the applicable procedure.The case comes amid continued inspections by Maharashtra’s food safety authorities, with restaurants and food establishments being scrutinised for compliance with hygiene, food storage, pest-control and food-handler safety requirements. &nbsp;

Maharashtra FDA suspended the licence of Gallops restaurant at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse after finding food safety and hygiene violations.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licence of M/s BJRS (Gallops) Restaurant, located inside the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse, following an inspection that found multiple food safety and hygiene violations. The licence has been suspended with immediate effect after FDA officials documented several violations under Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations. What did the FDA inspection find? According to the inspection findings, officials found blood and ketchup stains from non-vegetarian food items on ice kept inside a refrigerator. Raw materials were also found stored in torn and damaged packaging. The inspection further flagged grease accumulation in the kitchen and deteriorated walls on the premises. Concerns were also raised over sanitation and pest control. Officials found inadequately covered drainage areas and cockroach traps, along with live cockroaches and ants on the premises. The inspection also recorded water stagnation, adding to the hygiene concerns identified by the food safety authorities. Food-handler records also flagged The FDA found that the restaurant did not have adequate records showing the annual medical examination and vaccination of food handlers. Such documentation forms part of the prescribed food safety and hygiene requirements for establishments involved in preparing and serving food. A nearly four-decade-old Mumbai restaurant The FDA action comes against the backdrop of Gallops’ long association with Mumbai’s dining and racing culture. Gallops was established on September 1, 1986, and has been operating from the Mahalaxmi Racecourse premises for nearly four decades. The restaurant was founded by Rahul Malik, Jasmine Singh and Bobby Singh, after they won a bid to operate a restaurant at the Royal Western India Turf Club. The restaurant began from a modest space and went on to become a familiar name among Mumbai diners, particularly those associated with the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. It has been known for its Indian and Continental cuisine and its location overlooking the racecourse. Gallops marked its 33rd anniversary in 2019, including by bringing back dishes from its original 1986 menu. The restaurant also underwent a major revamp in 2024, reportedly its first significant renovation in more than two decades. Licence suspended with immediate effect Following the inspection, the FDA suspended the restaurant’s licence with immediate effect over the violations recorded during the inspection. The action means the restaurant cannot conduct food business under the suspended licence unless and until the regulatory requirements are addressed and the competent authority permits operations to resume, subject to the applicable procedure. The case comes amid continued inspections by Maharashtra’s food safety authorities, with restaurants and food establishments being scrutinised for compliance with hygiene, food storage, pest-control and food-handler safety requirements.

Maharashtra FDA suspended the licence of Gallops restaurant at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse after finding food safety and hygiene violations.

Mumbai: Gallops restaurant at Mahalaxmi Racecourse licence suspended over food safety violations

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday (Sep 8) has suspended the licences of an IRCTC-linked base kitchen in Mumbai and three food establishments operating at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Juhu after inspections found serious hygiene and food-safety violations.At R.K. Associates &amp; Hoteliers Pvt. Ltd. in Kurla West, which supplies food to railway passengers through an IRCTC-linked base kitchen, inspectors allegedly found live cockroaches in food storage and processing areas. Uncovered food was also found being prepared near open garbage, according to the FDA.The inspection on September 2 found the establishment “non-compliant”, following which the FDA ordered it to stop food preparation, supply and sales.<h2>Problems found at railway kitchen</h2>Inspectors also found one employee handling food despite an injured finger. Medical fitness certificates were available for only 21 of the kitchen’s 34 food handlers, the FDA said.Unclean and rusted utensils and food-contact equipment were also flagged, while vehicles used to transport food were reportedly found in poor condition.Four other establishments supplying food to railway passengers in Mumbai and Thane were issued improvement notices during the inspections.<h2>Three ISKCON outlets lose licences</h2>The FDA separately suspended the licences of three food establishments at ISKCON in Juhu following inspections on September 3.At ISKCON Food Services Restaurant, inspectors allegedly found rodent droppings in storage rooms, clogged drains and food waste. The agency also flagged inadequate segregation of raw and cooked food, as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, raising concerns over cross-contamination.At the ISKCON Base Kitchen at Hare Krishna Land, inspectors reported pest activity, poor segregation of food and non-food items, inadequate cleaning and deficiencies in testing water used for food preparation.Govindas Restaurant was also found with stagnant water in a cold-storage area, clogged drains and evidence of pests, alongside deficiencies in food segregation, drinking-water testing and staff medical records.FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the State government was taking a strict approach to food-safety violations and that practices endangering public health would not be tolerated.

Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of an IRCTC-linked kitchen and three ISKCON outlets after inspections found cockroaches, rodent droppings and serious hygiene violations.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday (Sep 8) has suspended the licences of an IRCTC-linked base kitchen in Mumbai and three food establishments operating at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Juhu after inspections found serious hygiene and food-safety violations. At R.K. Associates & Hoteliers Pvt. Ltd. in Kurla West, which supplies food to railway passengers through an IRCTC-linked base kitchen, inspectors allegedly found live cockroaches in food storage and processing areas. Uncovered food was also found being prepared near open garbage, according to the FDA. The inspection on September 2 found the establishment “non-compliant”, following which the FDA ordered it to stop food preparation, supply and sales. Problems found at railway kitchen Inspectors also found one employee handling food despite an injured finger. Medical fitness certificates were available for only 21 of the kitchen’s 34 food handlers, the FDA said. Unclean and rusted utensils and food-contact equipment were also flagged, while vehicles used to transport food were reportedly found in poor condition. Four other establishments supplying food to railway passengers in Mumbai and Thane were issued improvement notices during the inspections. Three ISKCON outlets lose licences The FDA separately suspended the licences of three food establishments at ISKCON in Juhu following inspections on September 3. At ISKCON Food Services Restaurant, inspectors allegedly found rodent droppings in storage rooms, clogged drains and food waste. The agency also flagged inadequate segregation of raw and cooked food, as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, raising concerns over cross-contamination. At the ISKCON Base Kitchen at Hare Krishna Land, inspectors reported pest activity, poor segregation of food and non-food items, inadequate cleaning and deficiencies in testing water used for food preparation. Govindas Restaurant was also found with stagnant water in a cold-storage area, clogged drains and evidence of pests, alongside deficiencies in food segregation, drinking-water testing and staff medical records. FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the State government was taking a strict approach to food-safety violations and that practices endangering public health would not be tolerated.

Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of an IRCTC-linked kitchen and three ISKCON outlets after inspections found cockroaches, rodent droppings and serious hygiene violations.

Cockroaches, rodent droppings: FDA suspends licences of IRCTC, ISKCON kitchens

The Bombay High Court has delivered a scathing rebuke to the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), questioning whether the regulator’s aggressive enforcement drive under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe is crossing the line into administrative overreach.&nbsp;In two separate cases involving pharmaceutical major Cipla and five eateries at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) premises, the court pulled up the FDA over alleged undue haste, procedural lapses and failure to follow the principles of natural justice. Following the court’s intervention, the FDA withdrew both its orders.&nbsp;The sharpest exchange came in the MCA case, where the FDA had suspended the licences of five restaurants at the association's Bandra-Kurla Complex premises. A fresh inspection later found the eateries to be 88 per cent compliant with&nbsp;food safety requirements.&nbsp;Despite this, the regulator had initially maintained its action, prompting the court to come down heavily on the department.&nbsp;“How many times should we try to convince and balance equities so that the department does not feel discouraged? Why do we say don't kill a mosquito with a sword? Do you feel you are a Lord and you can do anything?”&nbsp;the bench asked.&nbsp;The court said the FDA had acted with “undue haste”&nbsp;and taken a “pedantic instead of pragmatic view”, despite earlier directions to properly apply its mind. The bench warned that it was tired of repeatedly reprimanding the department and said it was time for “stinging orders”.&nbsp;It also warned of contempt action against the officials, saying they would have to convince the court or “go to jail.”&nbsp;The FDA subsequently agreed to withdraw its suspension order, allowing the five eateries to reopen.&nbsp;In a separate and equally significant case, the High Court pulled up the FDA over its decision to cancel the drug-sale licences of a Cipla Pharma &amp; Life Sciences facility at Wadki in Pune.The court said the FDA was doing a “laudable and appreciative job”, but added that “now you are going overboard.”&nbsp;The bench said the department had acted in a “high-handed”&nbsp;manner and questioned the procedure adopted to cancel Cipla’s licence. The court particularly flagged the manner in which Cipla's representative was called for a hearing on August 26, a public holiday declared by the Maharashtra government.&nbsp;“This is not the first time this is happening. You have wronged, and now you have to resolve the issue,”&nbsp;the court observed, holding that the procedure adopted by the FDA was against the principles of natural justice.&nbsp;Following the court's criticism, the FDA withdrew its cancellation order, effectively restoring Cipla’s licence.&nbsp;The twin setbacks come amid Mundhe’s high-profile enforcement drive against alleged food and drug safety violations across Maharashtra.&nbsp;The latest proceedings do not amount to the Bombay High Court striking down the FDA’s wider crackdown. But the court’s repeated and unusually strong observations send a clear message: tough enforcement cannot mean unchecked enforcement.&nbsp;For the Maharashtra FDA, the question is no longer just how many establishments it can inspect, raid or shut down. The High Court is now scrutinising how those powers are being exercised&nbsp;— and whether the drive for strict action is being matched by due process, proportionality and the rule of law.&nbsp;As the court put it in its warning to the regulator: even a crackdown has limits — and the law applies to the enforcer too. &nbsp;

The sharpest exchange came in the MCA case, where the FDA had suspended the licences of five restaurants at the association's Bandra-Kurla Complex premises. 

The Bombay High Court has delivered a scathing rebuke to the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), questioning whether the regulator’s aggressive enforcement drive under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe is crossing the line into administrative overreach. In two separate cases involving pharmaceutical major Cipla and five eateries at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) premises, the court pulled up the FDA over alleged undue haste, procedural lapses and failure to follow the principles of natural justice. Following the court’s intervention, the FDA withdrew both its orders. The sharpest exchange came in the MCA case, where the FDA had suspended the licences of five restaurants at the association's Bandra-Kurla Complex premises. A fresh inspection later found the eateries to be 88 per cent compliant with food safety requirements. Despite this, the regulator had initially maintained its action, prompting the court to come down heavily on the department. “How many times should we try to convince and balance equities so that the department does not feel discouraged? Why do we say don't kill a mosquito with a sword? Do you feel you are a Lord and you can do anything?” the bench asked. The court said the FDA had acted with “undue haste” and taken a “pedantic instead of pragmatic view”, despite earlier directions to properly apply its mind. The bench warned that it was tired of repeatedly reprimanding the department and said it was time for “stinging orders”. It also warned of contempt action against the officials, saying they would have to convince the court or “go to jail.” The FDA subsequently agreed to withdraw its suspension order, allowing the five eateries to reopen. In a separate and equally significant case, the High Court pulled up the FDA over its decision to cancel the drug-sale licences of a Cipla Pharma & Life Sciences facility at Wadki in Pune. The court said the FDA was doing a “laudable and appreciative job”, but added that “now you are going overboard.” The bench said the department had acted in a “high-handed” manner and questioned the procedure adopted to cancel Cipla’s licence. The court particularly flagged the manner in which Cipla's representative was called for a hearing on August 26, a public holiday declared by the Maharashtra government. “This is not the first time this is happening. You have wronged, and now you have to resolve the issue,” the court observed, holding that the procedure adopted by the FDA was against the principles of natural justice. Following the court's criticism, the FDA withdrew its cancellation order, effectively restoring Cipla’s licence. The twin setbacks come amid Mundhe’s high-profile enforcement drive against alleged food and drug safety violations across Maharashtra. The latest proceedings do not amount to the Bombay High Court striking down the FDA’s wider crackdown. But the court’s repeated and unusually strong observations send a clear message: tough enforcement cannot mean unchecked enforcement. For the Maharashtra FDA, the question is no longer just how many establishments it can inspect, raid or shut down. The High Court is now scrutinising how those powers are being exercised — and whether the drive for strict action is being matched by due process, proportionality and the rule of law. As the court put it in its warning to the regulator: even a crackdown has limits — and the law applies to the enforcer too.

The sharpest exchange came in the MCA case, where the FDA had suspended the licences of five restaurants at the association's Bandra-Kurla Complex premises.&nbsp;

‘Don’t kill a mosquito with a sword’; court warns of ‘stinging orders’, contempt action and jail as FDA withdraws orders against Cipla

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cracked down hard on the booming quick-commerce sector, suspending the food licenses and issuing notices to restaurants in Mumbai. Watch the full video to know more on this.

Maharashtra FDA crackdown: FDA checks 37 spots, issues 31 notices & suspends 4 licenses 

Mumbai: Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stepped up its crackdown on unsafe edible oil practices, with the state food safety regulator warning against the sale of loose or unsealed cooking oil and tightening scrutiny of how edible oil is stored, transported and used by food businesses.&nbsp;The latest action is part of an expanding food-safety enforcement drive led by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, which has already seen inspections and action against restaurants, food manufacturers and other establishments across Maharashtra.&nbsp;The FDA has specifically raised concerns over the sale of edible oil in loose form. According to the regulator, consumers should purchase properly packaged and sealed edible oil from licensed sellers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-sets-up-5-member-committee-to-probe-cops-use-of-force-violence-at-neet-protests-1787231068889">Supreme Court sets up 5-member committee to probe cops’ use of force, violence at NEET protests</a>&nbsp;Packaging should carry essential information including the product’s source, manufacturing details, expiry date and FSSAI licence information.&nbsp;The concern with loose oil is not just about adulteration. Regulators say the absence of proper labelling makes it difficult to establish where the oil came from and to trace it back to its manufacturer or supplier if a food-safety problem is reported.&nbsp;The FDA has also flagged the use of unsuitable, reused or damaged containers for storing edible oil. Authorities are examining whether oil is being stored and transported in conditions that could expose it to contamination, sunlight or other factors that may affect its quality.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lot-of-boats-coming-through-strait-of-hormuz-says-trump-admits-to-nuisance-of-iranian-drones-1787166376313">‘Lot of boats’ coming through Strait of Hormuz, says Trump, admits to ‘nuisance’ of Iranian drones</a><h2>Crackdown on repeatedly heated cooking oil</h2>&nbsp;One of the key areas of concern is the repeated heating and reuse of cooking oil. Restaurants, hotels, snack shops and street-food establishments routinely use oil for deep frying.&nbsp;However, repeatedly heating the same oil can cause chemical changes and increase the formation of undesirable compounds.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-prepared-to-defend-all-allies-after-reports-of-iran-mulling-attacks-on-us-targets-in-europe-1787141867863">NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe</a>&nbsp;Food-safety regulations prescribe a limit for Total Polar Compounds (TPC) in used cooking oil. Once the TPC level crosses 25 per cent, the oil is not permitted to be reused for cooking.&nbsp;Commercial food establishments are also required to follow procedures for the safe collection and disposal of used cooking oil rather than repeatedly putting the same oil back into frying vessels.&nbsp;The FDA's focus on reused cooking oil is significant because it directly affects food consumed outside homes, particularly fried snacks and fast food.&nbsp;<h2>Why is loose edible oil under the scanner?</h2>&nbsp;The FDA's concerns extend across the entire edible-oil supply chain — from manufacturing and packaging to transportation, storage, retail and final use.&nbsp;Officials have been carrying out inspections and collecting samples to check for adulteration, misbranding and violations of food-safety standards.&nbsp;In one recent enforcement action in Maharashtra's Beed district, authorities seized loose edible oil worth around Rs 1.94 crore from multiple establishments. The action followed inspections conducted on August 6 and 7.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-trump-s-economic-terrorism-irgc-warns-of-using-more-precise-and-destructive-weapons-1787234880288">Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons</a>&nbsp;At one establishment, officials seized around 66,653 kg of edible oil valued at approximately Rs 1.05 crore. Authorities reportedly detected issues including misleading labelling and the use of reused containers, prompting further regulatory action.&nbsp;The FDA has also been increasing sampling and inspections of edible oil products across Maharashtra to identify products that fail prescribed quality standards.&nbsp;<h2>What consumers should check?</h2>&nbsp;The FDA’s latest warning places greater responsibility on consumers to check what they are purchasing.&nbsp;Consumers are advised to avoid buying edible oil sold from unidentified containers or without proper packaging. They should look for a sealed package, the FSSAI licence or registration details, manufacturing and expiry information and details of the product.&nbsp;The crackdown also serves as a warning to restaurants and food vendors. Repeatedly using cooking oil beyond permissible limits can lead to regulatory action.

The FDA has raised concerns over the sale of loose edible oil. It said consumers should purchase properly packaged and sealed edible oil from licensed sellers. Packaging should carry essential information, including source, manufacturing details, expiry date and FSSAI licence information.

Mumbai: Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stepped up its crackdown on unsafe edible oil practices, with the state food safety regulator warning against the sale of loose or unsealed cooking oil and tightening scrutiny of how edible oil is stored, transported and used by food businesses. The latest action is part of an expanding food-safety enforcement drive led by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, which has already seen inspections and action against restaurants, food manufacturers and other establishments across Maharashtra. The FDA has specifically raised concerns over the sale of edible oil in loose form. According to the regulator, consumers should purchase properly packaged and sealed edible oil from licensed sellers. Also Read: Supreme Court sets up 5-member committee to probe cops’ use of force, violence at NEET protests Packaging should carry essential information including the product’s source, manufacturing details, expiry date and FSSAI licence information. The concern with loose oil is not just about adulteration. Regulators say the absence of proper labelling makes it difficult to establish where the oil came from and to trace it back to its manufacturer or supplier if a food-safety problem is reported. The FDA has also flagged the use of unsuitable, reused or damaged containers for storing edible oil. Authorities are examining whether oil is being stored and transported in conditions that could expose it to contamination, sunlight or other factors that may affect its quality. Also Read: ‘Lot of boats’ coming through Strait of Hormuz, says Trump, admits to ‘nuisance’ of Iranian drones Crackdown on repeatedly heated cooking oil One of the key areas of concern is the repeated heating and reuse of cooking oil. Restaurants, hotels, snack shops and street-food establishments routinely use oil for deep frying. However, repeatedly heating the same oil can cause chemical changes and increase the formation of undesirable compounds. Also Read: NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe Food-safety regulations prescribe a limit for Total Polar Compounds (TPC) in used cooking oil. Once the TPC level crosses 25 per cent, the oil is not permitted to be reused for cooking. Commercial food establishments are also required to follow procedures for the safe collection and disposal of used cooking oil rather than repeatedly putting the same oil back into frying vessels. The FDA's focus on reused cooking oil is significant because it directly affects food consumed outside homes, particularly fried snacks and fast food. Why is loose edible oil under the scanner? The FDA's concerns extend across the entire edible-oil supply chain — from manufacturing and packaging to transportation, storage, retail and final use. Officials have been carrying out inspections and collecting samples to check for adulteration, misbranding and violations of food-safety standards. In one recent enforcement action in Maharashtra's Beed district, authorities seized loose edible oil worth around Rs 1.94 crore from multiple establishments. The action followed inspections conducted on August 6 and 7. Also Read: Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons At one establishment, officials seized around 66,653 kg of edible oil valued at approximately Rs 1.05 crore. Authorities reportedly detected issues including misleading labelling and the use of reused containers, prompting further regulatory action. The FDA has also been increasing sampling and inspections of edible oil products across Maharashtra to identify products that fail prescribed quality standards. What consumers should check? The FDA’s latest warning places greater responsibility on consumers to check what they are purchasing. Consumers are advised to avoid buying edible oil sold from unidentified containers or without proper packaging. They should look for a sealed package, the FSSAI licence or registration details, manufacturing and expiry information and details of the product. The crackdown also serves as a warning to restaurants and food vendors. Repeatedly using cooking oil beyond permissible limits can lead to regulatory action.

The FDA has raised concerns over the sale of loose edible oil. It said consumers should purchase properly packaged and sealed edible oil from licensed sellers. Packaging should carry essential information, including source, manufacturing details, expiry date and FSSAI licence information.

Maharashtra FDA cracks down on loose oil, reused cooking oil: What consumers need to know

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe speaks about the state’s food safety crackdown, stressing that public health, not individual credit, is the priority. From inspections and digital systems to consumer awareness, he explains why enforcement must be institutional, why ex-officials cannot shield violators, and why consumers must look beyond price and expiry dates. He also clarifies that not every food business is a violator.


Tukaram Mundhe on Maharashtra FDA crackdown: Rules, reform & public health

Maharashtra is intensifying its crackdown on unsafe, substandard and adulterated food as the state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) steps up inspections across the food sector.

In the latest action, the Maharashtra FDA has suspended the licences of three outlets of a leading pizza chain in Mumbai over alleged violations of food safety and hygiene regulations.

In an exclusive conversation, Beyond's Principal Correspondent Disha Shah spoke with Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Dharam Munde, who explained the scale of the ongoing crackdown and the state's approach to strengthening food safety standards.

The FDA commissioner stressed that violations of food safety regulations will not be tolerated and said the government is following a zero-tolerance policy towards unsafe, substandard and adulterated food.

He also addressed concerns about bribery and political pressure during inspections, saying there is no question of political pressure and that strict action would be taken against both those offering and accepting bribes.

The Maharashtra FDA has urged people to report any suspected corruption or food safety violations to the appropriate authorities.

Maharashtra Cracks Down on Unsafe Food, Suspends Licences of Three Pizza Outlets

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has said the state’s intensified food-safety enforcement drive is ultimately aimed at creating a system where businesses comply voluntarily, and routine crackdowns are no longer required.&nbsp;In an exclusive interview with WION's Disha Yadav, Mundhe said the FDA’s responsibility is to ensure that food-safety regulations are implemented effectively, stressing that the department’s objective is public health and not to claim credit for the ongoing crackdown.&nbsp;“My expectation is that I should not be required to take any crackdown,” Mundhe said, describing voluntary compliance as the ultimate measure of success.<h2>Over 3,000 establishments inspected in two months</h2>Explaining the scale of the ongoing enforcement drive, Mundhe said that the FDA has inspected more than 3,000 establishments in the last two months.&nbsp;More than 700 establishments were issued improvement notices, while around 160 licences were suspended.&nbsp;However, Mundhe cautioned against interpreting these figures as evidence that the entire food industry is operating in violation of the law.&nbsp;The commissioner said that after taking charge, the department went deeper into the food-safety system and concluded that enforcement needed to be undertaken in “mission mode”, with different sectors and categories being addressed systematically.<h2>Why did food safety become a priority now?</h2>Asked why food safety had not received the same level of administrative attention earlier, Mundhe rejected attributing the situation to one particular factor, such as a lack of resources or political will.He pointed to the transformation of India’s food-regulation framework after the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act and the subsequent regulatory framework, which shifted the focus from merely preventing adulteration towards comprehensive food-safety standards.&nbsp;According to Mundhe, the regulatory architecture, laboratories and manpower are now in place. The bigger challenge, he said, is implementation and compliance.<h2>Which foods are under the biggest scanner?</h2>Mundhe said the FDA's enforcement strategy is also based on the risk associated with particular food categories.&nbsp;High-risk categories identified under the food-safety framework include milk and milk products, meat and edible oils, among other widely consumed products.&nbsp;Enforcement is also adjusted according to consumption patterns and seasons.&nbsp;During festival periods, for instance, milk products and fried foods can come under greater scrutiny, while seasonal products such as mangoes can become a focus during summer.&nbsp;The approach, he said, is therefore not simply about conducting random raids but identifying where the potential risk to consumers is greatest.<h2>Repeat offenders could face stronger action</h2>Mundhe also made it clear that a licence suspension should not necessarily be viewed as the final punishment.&nbsp;For establishments that repeatedly violate food-safety regulations, the action can escalate to licence cancellation and closure.&nbsp;His message to businesses was straightforward: compliance is the only sustainable way to remain operational.&nbsp;“If they are complying, they have nothing to fear,” Mundhe said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliamentary-panel-finds-justice-yashwant-varma-guilty-in-cash-at-home-row-1786533182349">Parliamentary panel finds Justice Yashwant Varma guilty in cash-at-home row</a><h2>‘Ex-FDA officer, lawyer or anyone else will not help’</h2> One of the sharper moments of the WION interview came when Mundhe was asked about establishments hiring former FDA officials or consultants to understand regulations or potentially avoid enforcement.&nbsp;Mundhe said establishments are free to seek professional advice to understand the law, but such connections will not protect from regulatory action.&nbsp;“Whether they hire an ex-FDA officer, a lawyer or anyone else, it is not going to help them,” he said.If a business follows the applicable regulations, he said, it has nothing to worry about. But if it violates the law, hiring a former official, lawyer or consultant will not shield it from action.&nbsp;The message was clear: compliance, not connections, will determine who survives the crackdown.‘System and institution are much more important than an individual’ Mundhe also addressed a bigger question: can the current enforcement drive continue after the present leadership changes?&nbsp;His answer was that it must.&nbsp;“System and institution are much more important than an individual,” Mundhe said.&nbsp;He said his priority is to institutionalise food-safety enforcement so that the system does not become dependent on one officer.&nbsp;The FDA is therefore moving towards automation and digital systems, including digitising grievance mechanisms so that citizens can raise complaints and track their progress through their phones.&nbsp;Regular reviews, periodic inspections and greater citizen participation are also being built into the enforcement framework.&nbsp;The aim is to ensure that the mechanisms created during the current drive continue functioning regardless of which officer is heading the department in the future.<h2>What is the most dangerous form of adulteration?</h2>Asked to identify the single most dangerous chemical or form of adulteration, Mundhe refused to single out one substance.&nbsp;Instead, he stressed that any food that is adulterated, unsafe or substandard poses a public-health risk and can attract regulatory action.&nbsp;His concern, he said, extends beyond immediate illnesses.&nbsp;“Nobody has got any right to spoil the life of an individual, society or a nation,” Mundhe said, warning that unsafe food could have consequences not only for individuals today but potentially for future generations.<h2>Zero tolerance on bribery</h2>Mundhe also spoke about corruption and attempts to influence food-safety officials.&nbsp;He said there is zero tolerance for unsafe, substandard or adulterated food and equally strong action against attempts to compromise the regulatory process.&nbsp;“The person who offers a bribe and the person who accepts it — both are criminals,” he said.Mundhe urged anyone who encounters an attempt to offer or solicit a bribe to report the matter to the commissioner or the Anti-Corruption Bureau.<h2>Consumers also have a role</h2>Mundhe said enforcement cannot be the sole responsibility of the regulator.&nbsp;Consumers, he argued, need to become more vigilant about what they purchase and consume.He urged people not to limit their checks to the expiry date and price of a product, but to also read its ingredients and constituents and make informed choices.&nbsp;The commissioner said consumer awareness and citizen participation would be an important part of creating a sustainable food-safety ecosystem.<h2>The larger message: crackdown is only the beginning</h2>For Mundhe, the current raids and inspections are only one part of a much larger objective.&nbsp;The immediate focus is to identify violations, take action against non-compliant establishments and protect consumers. But the long-term goal is to create a regulatory system in which businesses understand the rules, comply with them and do not wait for an inspection to take corrective action.&nbsp;That is why his most striking statement from the interview may also be his simplest:&nbsp;“My expectation is that I should not be required to take any crackdown.”&nbsp;For the Maharashtra FDA chief, the success of the campaign will ultimately not be measured by how many establishments are raided or how many licences are suspended — but by whether the food-safety culture changes enough that such crackdowns are no longer routinely necessary.

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the intensified food-safety drive aims to build a system of voluntary compliance, stronger enforcement, digital monitoring and greater consumer awareness so routine crackdowns are no longer needed.

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has said the state’s intensified food-safety enforcement drive is ultimately aimed at creating a system where businesses comply voluntarily, and routine crackdowns are no longer required. In an exclusive interview with WION's Disha Yadav, Mundhe said the FDA’s responsibility is to ensure that food-safety regulations are implemented effectively, stressing that the department’s objective is public health and not to claim credit for the ongoing crackdown. “My expectation is that I should not be required to take any crackdown,” Mundhe said, describing voluntary compliance as the ultimate measure of success. Over 3,000 establishments inspected in two months Explaining the scale of the ongoing enforcement drive, Mundhe said that the FDA has inspected more than 3,000 establishments in the last two months. More than 700 establishments were issued improvement notices, while around 160 licences were suspended. However, Mundhe cautioned against interpreting these figures as evidence that the entire food industry is operating in violation of the law. The commissioner said that after taking charge, the department went deeper into the food-safety system and concluded that enforcement needed to be undertaken in “mission mode”, with different sectors and categories being addressed systematically. Why did food safety become a priority now? Asked why food safety had not received the same level of administrative attention earlier, Mundhe rejected attributing the situation to one particular factor, such as a lack of resources or political will. He pointed to the transformation of India’s food-regulation framework after the implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act and the subsequent regulatory framework, which shifted the focus from merely preventing adulteration towards comprehensive food-safety standards. According to Mundhe, the regulatory architecture, laboratories and manpower are now in place. The bigger challenge, he said, is implementation and compliance. Which foods are under the biggest scanner? Mundhe said the FDA's enforcement strategy is also based on the risk associated with particular food categories. High-risk categories identified under the food-safety framework include milk and milk products, meat and edible oils, among other widely consumed products. Enforcement is also adjusted according to consumption patterns and seasons. During festival periods, for instance, milk products and fried foods can come under greater scrutiny, while seasonal products such as mangoes can become a focus during summer. The approach, he said, is therefore not simply about conducting random raids but identifying where the potential risk to consumers is greatest. Repeat offenders could face stronger action Mundhe also made it clear that a licence suspension should not necessarily be viewed as the final punishment. For establishments that repeatedly violate food-safety regulations, the action can escalate to licence cancellation and closure. His message to businesses was straightforward: compliance is the only sustainable way to remain operational. “If they are complying, they have nothing to fear,” Mundhe said. Also Read: Parliamentary panel finds Justice Yashwant Varma guilty in cash-at-home row ‘Ex-FDA officer, lawyer or anyone else will not help’ One of the sharper moments of the WION interview came when Mundhe was asked about establishments hiring former FDA officials or consultants to understand regulations or potentially avoid enforcement. Mundhe said establishments are free to seek professional advice to understand the law, but such connections will not protect from regulatory action. “Whether they hire an ex-FDA officer, a lawyer or anyone else, it is not going to help them,” he said. If a business follows the applicable regulations, he said, it has nothing to worry about. But if it violates the law, hiring a former official, lawyer or consultant will not shield it from action. The message was clear: compliance, not connections, will determine who survives the crackdown. ‘System and institution are much more important than an individual’ Mundhe also addressed a bigger question: can the current enforcement drive continue after the present leadership changes? His answer was that it must. “System and institution are much more important than an individual,” Mundhe said. He said his priority is to institutionalise food-safety enforcement so that the system does not become dependent on one officer. The FDA is therefore moving towards automation and digital systems, including digitising grievance mechanisms so that citizens can raise complaints and track their progress through their phones. Regular reviews, periodic inspections and greater citizen participation are also being built into the enforcement framework. The aim is to ensure that the mechanisms created during the current drive continue functioning regardless of which officer is heading the department in the future. What is the most dangerous form of adulteration? Asked to identify the single most dangerous chemical or form of adulteration, Mundhe refused to single out one substance. Instead, he stressed that any food that is adulterated, unsafe or substandard poses a public-health risk and can attract regulatory action. His concern, he said, extends beyond immediate illnesses. “Nobody has got any right to spoil the life of an individual, society or a nation,” Mundhe said, warning that unsafe food could have consequences not only for individuals today but potentially for future generations. Zero tolerance on bribery Mundhe also spoke about corruption and attempts to influence food-safety officials. He said there is zero tolerance for unsafe, substandard or adulterated food and equally strong action against attempts to compromise the regulatory process. “The person who offers a bribe and the person who accepts it — both are criminals,” he said. Mundhe urged anyone who encounters an attempt to offer or solicit a bribe to report the matter to the commissioner or the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Consumers also have a role Mundhe said enforcement cannot be the sole responsibility of the regulator. Consumers, he argued, need to become more vigilant about what they purchase and consume. He urged people not to limit their checks to the expiry date and price of a product, but to also read its ingredients and constituents and make informed choices. The commissioner said consumer awareness and citizen participation would be an important part of creating a sustainable food-safety ecosystem. The larger message: crackdown is only the beginning For Mundhe, the current raids and inspections are only one part of a much larger objective. The immediate focus is to identify violations, take action against non-compliant establishments and protect consumers. But the long-term goal is to create a regulatory system in which businesses understand the rules, comply with them and do not wait for an inspection to take corrective action. That is why his most striking statement from the interview may also be his simplest: “My expectation is that I should not be required to take any crackdown.” For the Maharashtra FDA chief, the success of the campaign will ultimately not be measured by how many establishments are raided or how many licences are suspended — but by whether the food-safety culture changes enough that such crackdowns are no longer routinely necessary.

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the intensified food-safety drive aims to build a system of voluntary compliance, stronger enforcement, digital monitoring and greater consumer awareness so routine crackdowns are no longer needed.

‘My expectation is that I should not be required to take any crackdown’: Maharashtra FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe to WION

Mumbai's century-old Parsi Dairy Farm, one of the city's most recognisable dairy brands, has had its food licence suspended after Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allegedly found multiple violations of food safety and hygiene norms during an inspection.&nbsp;The FDA said it has suspended the FSSAI licence of Parsi Dairy Farm Pvt Ltd&nbsp;with immediate effect, citing serious lapses at the company's production facility.&nbsp;According to the regulator, inspectors found the absence of a protected raw milk reception dock, fungal growth on walls, poor sanitation in production areas and a widespread presence of flies inside the premises. Officials also alleged that the facility lacked adequate pest control measures and did not have an effluent treatment plant.&nbsp;The inspection reportedly identified additional shortcomings, including incomplete medical records of food handlers, inadequate protective footwear for workers, missing sanitation records for vehicles used to transport food products, and packaged food items without mandatory "best before", expiry date or use-by labels.&nbsp;Established in 1916, Parsi Dairy Farm has been a Mumbai institution for more than a century. The brand is widely known for its milk, ghee, sweets and ice cream, drawing loyal customers from across the city. The FDA's action is expected to temporarily impact its operations until the identified deficiencies are addressed and regulatory requirements are met.&nbsp;The suspension is part of a wider enforcement drive by the Maharashtra FDA targeting food establishments over hygiene and food safety compliance.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/stampede-like-situation-during-india-s-puri-rath-yatra-festival-one-feared-dead-say-reports-odisha-stempede-updates-rath-yatra-puri-1784208646238">Stampede-like situation during India's Puri Rath Yatra festival: One feared dead, say reports</a>&nbsp;In recent weeks, the regulator has taken similar action against several well-known eateries and food businesses in Mumbai. These include the suspension of licences of K. Rustom's ice cream parlour, as well as the iconic Shalimar and Noor Mohammadi&nbsp;restaurants, after inspections allegedly uncovered hygiene-related violations.&nbsp;The FDA has stepped up inspections across Maharashtra in recent months, saying the objective is to ensure compliance with food safety standards and protect consumer health. Food business operators found violating prescribed norms are required to rectify deficiencies before they can seek restoration of their licences.&nbsp;Parsi Dairy Farm has not publicly responded to the FDA's findings at the time of publication. It also remains unclear when the establishment will be permitted to resume normal operations, pending compliance with the regulator's directives.

Mumbai's century-old Parsi Dairy Farm has lost its food licence after the Maharashtra FDA allegedly found multiple food safety and hygiene violations during an inspection of its production facility.

Mumbai's century-old Parsi Dairy Farm, one of the city's most recognisable dairy brands, has had its food licence suspended after Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allegedly found multiple violations of food safety and hygiene norms during an inspection. The FDA said it has suspended the FSSAI licence of Parsi Dairy Farm Pvt Ltd with immediate effect, citing serious lapses at the company's production facility. According to the regulator, inspectors found the absence of a protected raw milk reception dock, fungal growth on walls, poor sanitation in production areas and a widespread presence of flies inside the premises. Officials also alleged that the facility lacked adequate pest control measures and did not have an effluent treatment plant. The inspection reportedly identified additional shortcomings, including incomplete medical records of food handlers, inadequate protective footwear for workers, missing sanitation records for vehicles used to transport food products, and packaged food items without mandatory "best before", expiry date or use-by labels. Established in 1916, Parsi Dairy Farm has been a Mumbai institution for more than a century. The brand is widely known for its milk, ghee, sweets and ice cream, drawing loyal customers from across the city. The FDA's action is expected to temporarily impact its operations until the identified deficiencies are addressed and regulatory requirements are met. The suspension is part of a wider enforcement drive by the Maharashtra FDA targeting food establishments over hygiene and food safety compliance. Also Read: Stampede-like situation during India's Puri Rath Yatra festival: One feared dead, say reports In recent weeks, the regulator has taken similar action against several well-known eateries and food businesses in Mumbai. These include the suspension of licences of K. Rustom's ice cream parlour, as well as the iconic Shalimar and Noor Mohammadi restaurants, after inspections allegedly uncovered hygiene-related violations. The FDA has stepped up inspections across Maharashtra in recent months, saying the objective is to ensure compliance with food safety standards and protect consumer health. Food business operators found violating prescribed norms are required to rectify deficiencies before they can seek restoration of their licences. Parsi Dairy Farm has not publicly responded to the FDA's findings at the time of publication. It also remains unclear when the establishment will be permitted to resume normal operations, pending compliance with the regulator's directives.

Mumbai's century-old Parsi Dairy Farm has lost its food licence after the Maharashtra FDA allegedly found multiple food safety and hygiene violations during an inspection of its production facility.

Mumbai's iconic Parsi Dairy Farm loses food licence over alleged hygiene violations

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Mumbai's Parsi Dairy Farm loses food licence over alleged hygiene violations