Mumbai ISKCON Govinda's Restaurant licence suspended after FDA finds pest infestation, raw materials not cleaned before cooking

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of three restaurants at ISKCON’s Hare Krishna Land in Mumbai’s Juhu area after an inspection found several violations of food safety and hygiene rules. The FDA inspected Govinda’s Restaurant, Food Services Restaurant and another food establishment on the premises on September 3.

The action followed findings related to food handling, water testing, sanitation, pest control, storage, personal hygiene and record management at the three establishments.

What FDA found at Govinda’s Restaurant

At ISKCON’s Govinda’s Restaurant, the FDA team found that drinking water was not being tested periodically. It also found that raw materials were not being cleaned before food preparation. Water had accumulated in the cold storage room, while the drains were choked. The drains also 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.

Food safety issues at Food Services

At the Food Services Restaurant, the inspection found that raw and cooked food items were not properly segregated. "Remains of insect feces were found in the store room,'' said the FDA.

The establishment was also not carrying out the required testing of food items. The FDA found insufficient lighting in the restaurant and its store room. "Edible oil was not being checked periodically for colour, taste, and floating particles,'' said the FDA. The FDA also said that medical check-ups and vaccination of food handlers had not been carried out.

The FDA found "serious deficiencies" at another restaurant on the ISKCON premises. The issues covered food safety, sanitation, pest control, personal hygiene, food storage, equipment maintenance, training and record management.

ISKCON Juhu responds

ISKCON Juhu said it had received the FDA notice following the September 3 inspection and had started corrective measures.

"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."

The three food establishments will remain closed until the required corrective measures are completed and full compliance with applicable food safety and regulatory standards is achieved, according to the statement from ISKCON Juhu.