Mumbai food dept finds rats, cockroaches, expired food at six eateries located in Nariman Point, Borivali, Santacruz, Andheri

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of six restaurants and eateries in Mumbai after inspections found unhygienic kitchens, expired food items and misbranded products, officials said on Tuesday. The action was part of a statewide enforcement drive aimed at checking food safety violations.

Among the establishments facing action was Flint & Waarsa, a restaurant located in Mumbai’s Nariman Point area, along with five other hotels, restaurants and a bakery in different parts of the city.

FDA finds expired stock and misbranded products at Nariman Point restaurant
FDA officials inspected Flint & Waarsa on June 27 and found products that were allegedly misbranded. The team collected five samples for laboratory testing and seized stock worth Rs 11,350.


Officials also found food stock worth Rs 16,201 that had crossed its expiry date. The expired items were disposed of at the spot, according to the FDA statement.

Raids reveal poor hygiene conditions in Mumbai eateries
The FDA conducted raids on Monday at establishments in Borivali, Santacruz, Andheri, Bandra and Bhandup areas. During the inspections, officials reported finding cockroaches, rats and poor storage conditions for raw food materials.

The department also found that some establishments did not have the required documents, while employees had not completed mandatory health check-ups.

Licences suspended over food safety violations
According to the FDA, the licences of the six establishments were suspended due to serious issues related to cleanliness, improper refrigeration facilities and the absence of a system to handle customer complaints.

Officials said the violations raised concerns about food safety and public health.

Maharashtra FDA conducts 31 raids, seizes banned products
The FDA said it carried out 31 raids across Maharashtra between June 26 and June 28. During the operation, banned food products such as pan masala and gutkha worth Rs 34.87 lakh were seized.

The department also arrested 19 people linked to the sale, distribution and transportation of prohibited food items. One establishment was sealed and three vehicles were seized during the drive.

The FDA said it would continue strict action against food safety violations and take legal steps against businesses that fail to meet required standards.

(Inputs PTI)