Several well-known food establishments in Mumbai have come under scrutiny after Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found serious hygiene and food-safety violations during a festive-season inspection drive.
The action, carried out between 23 and 27 September, resulted in licences or registration certificates being suspended for 30 establishments across . The FDA also seized 50,601.78 kg of food products valued at around ₹1.19 crore, according to the department and reports by the Press Trust of India and local media.
In Mumbai alone, 13 establishments faced licence , closure orders or legal proceedings.
Among them was the more than 100-year-old Kyani & Co in Kalbadevi. An inspection reportedly found cats, rat droppings, live flies and dead cockroaches in areas used for food preparation and storage. Officials also reported a large amount of blood inside a refrigerator and an open sewage manhole in the processing area.
The establishment was ordered to immediately stop purchasing, , processing, storing, selling and distributing food products.
Colaba Sweet Mart also had its licence suspended after inspectors reportedly found live lizards, , flies and larvae. Dirty mop buckets were allegedly kept near uncovered food, while ready-to-eat products and raw dough were found in direct contact with printed newspapers.
The FDA also cited gaps in measures, staff medical fitness records and personal protective equipment.
A Subway outlet operated by EverSub India Pvt Ltd at Phoenix Mills in Lower Parel was also subjected to action following a consumer complaint. Inspectors reportedly found a faulty with a mould-like layer and foul smell, along with live cockroaches. Standing water was found on the kitchen floor, and raw food was allegedly in contact with a worker’s used jacket.
Other Mumbai establishments facing action included Daffodils Fast Food Inn in , Arun Vilas Farsan in Dharavi and Ruchi Veg Restaurant in Parel. The FDA cited issues including dirty refrigeration equipment, pest infestation, food stored alongside workers’ belongings and inadequate .
Legal proceedings were also initiated against six other establishments, including QSR Brands India in Andheri East, Royal China in Fort, Tiffin restaurant in Bandra West and United Bakery & Stores in Santacruz West.
The wider crackdown extended beyond Mumbai. The seized food included sweets, milk products, ghee, cream, shrikhand, lassi, coconut oil, farsan, wafers, spices, dry fruits, sauces and noodles. Some products were suspected of being substandard, adulterated, unsafe or incorrectly labelled.
In a separate drive against banned food products, the FDA said stock worth ₹30.63 lakh was seized, 22 FIRs were registered and 30 people were arrested. Three establishments were sealed and three vehicles were also seized.
FDA Commissioner said strict legal action would continue against establishments found selling or storing expired, tampered with or unhygienically prepared food products. The Maharashtra FDA identifies food safety and compliance as part of its core regulatory mandate.
