MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licences of three food establishments in Mumbai, including the iconic Olympia Coffee House, after inspections found serious food safety and hygiene violations.During an inspection of Olympia Coffee House, officials found multiple deficiencies, including a urinal located in the food storage area and unhygienic conditions at the food preparation and utensil-washing facilities.The inspection also found food being handled directly on the floor, the use of unclean water, and infestation of cockroaches and flies. Officials further observed damaged wooden chopping boards being used at the premises and found that food handlers were not wearing appropriate protective clothing.The FDA has also suspended the licence of the Nair Hospital canteen following its inspection.In addition, action has been taken against the Blinkit warehouse in Mulund, where the regulator found food safety-related deficiencies.The latest action comes amid an intensified food safety crackdown by the Maharashtra FDA under commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, with the department stepping up inspections of food establishments and action against violations involving hygiene, adulteration and food storage.Just two days ago, the FDA suspended the licences of Cafe Mondegar, a popular restaurant in Colaba, and three other food establishments in Mumbai following inspections that revealed serious violations.Cafe Mondegar, located at Metro House in Colaba, was inspected on September 12. According to the FDA, the restaurant failed to maintain hot food above the prescribed 60 degrees Celsius and cold storage below 5 degrees Celsius.Officials also found improper thawing of food, inadequate rapid cooling of cooked food, and sanitation and structural deficiencies that could pose a risk of cross-contamination.The FDA also suspended the licences of Maharashtra Biryani Centre in Kandivali East, Tribhuvan Dairy Farm in Ghatkopar West and Mahavir Cashew & Foods Pvt Ltd in Ghatkopar East for violations of Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Act. Schedule 4 prescribes mandatory hygiene and sanitation requirements for food business operators.As part of its festival-season drive, the regulator also acted against nine other food establishments in Mumbai over deficiencies detected during inspections. These included Ruhafza Bakery in Khar West; Chandru’s Pure Ghee Sweets and Sharma Dairy & Fast Food in Andheri West; Punjabi Chandu Halwai LLP at Grant Road East; Shri Narayan Dairy in Vile Parle West; and Gulshan Dairy Farm in Khar West.
