181 food licences in Thane cancelled for FDA rule violation

THANE: Licences of as many as 181 food establishments in Thane were cancelled for violation of FDA guidelines, a senior official here said.

Of the total food samples inspected last year, 105 were found to be sub-standard and 30 unfit for human consumption.

A total of 40 criminal cases were registered in courts in this connection and Rs 1.65 lakh fine was collected from the violators, FDA Konkan division's Joint Commissioner Suresh Annapure said yesterday at a meeting chaired by Thane District Collector Mahendra Kalyankar.

He added that licences of 181 food establishments were cancelled for violating Food and Drug Administration guidelines.

The collector directed the FDA officials to keep a tab on sale of eatables at various locations during the upcoming monsoon season.

He also asked the officials to go in for a periodic checks of roadside stalls, hotels and dhabas to ensure they maintain hygiene.

He emphasised on holding awareness campaign on hygiene and prevention of ailments due to consumption of harmful food.

At the meeting, Annapure said the FDA officials will carry out inspections and if anyone is found violating regulations, appropriate action will be taken against them.