MUMBAI: Live rodents in a hotel kitchen, expired food on sale and widespread hygiene lapses were among the violations detected by Maharashtra FDA during inspections of 31 food establishments, leading to seizures worth nearly Rs 25 lakh, 10 arrests and suspension of five licences.According to an official release, the FDA inspected 31 hotels, restaurants, roadside eateries and other food establishments on Tuesday. Following the inspections, 22 establishments were issued improvement notices, while the licences of five were suspended.The crackdown on banned products covered gutkha, pan masala, flavoured supari and other prohibited items.The FDA said it seized banned stock worth Rs 11.40 lakh from eight establishments across the Mumbai, Konkan, Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisions.Ten people were arrested and eight FIRs were registered in connection with the action. Six establishments were also sealed, the agency said.The FDA further seized around 14,552 kg of other food products, including milk and milk-based items, bakery products and other food articles, valued at approximately Rs 13.90 lakh.Samples were collected in some cases and sent to authorised laboratories for testing.Among the establishments whose licences were suspended was Hotel Radha in Malad (West), Mumbai. Officials found serious hygiene and food safety lapses there, including live rodents in the kitchen, along with poor drainage and sanitation, the release said.The FDA suspended the hotel’s food business licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.Another licence was suspended for an establishment operating at Saraswati College of Engineering in Kharghar after inspectors found deficiencies linked to food safety, hygiene and pest-control arrangements.Action was also taken against Janata Tawa and Grill in Kurla, where FDA officials detected serious food safety violations.In another inspection, officials found expired food products and unhygienic conditions at Parmeshthi Super Shoppe near Devagiri Hospital in Vaijapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Proceedings were initiated against the food business operator.The FDA, headed by senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe, said the inspections were part of its statewide “Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra” campaign aimed at improving compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.The department urged food business operators to ensure proper storage, temperature control, cleanliness and pest control. It warned that violations would attract action under the Food Safety and Standards Act and applicable rules.(With PTI inputs)
