Maharashtra FDA crackdown continues: Food licences suspended, unsafe milk destroyed

Maharashtra FDA has suspended the licences of three food establishments in Mumbai and Akola over serious safety and hygiene violations. The action includes a Blinkit store in Akola, along with two food establishments in Mumbai.Maharashtra FDA suspends 3 food licences, destroys 165 litres of unsafe milk (Photos: ITG)The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has continued its crackdown against food establishments in Mumbai and other districts over serious food safety and hygiene violations, suspending the licences of three establishments with immediate effect. Inspections found several violations, including poor hygiene, improper storage, inadequate pest control and gaps in food safety documentation.MALAD SWEET SHOP LICENCE SUSPENDED OVER HYGIENE VIOLATIONSThe FDA suspended the food licence of Delhi Sweet & Bhelpuri House in Malad West with immediate effect after inspectors found multiple serious deficiencies. Raw eggs were reportedly stored alongside other food items in a freezer, while the premises were found to be unhygienic and in poor condition.Officials also flagged the use of contaminated water, improper packaging and labelling of food products and shortcomings in employee hygiene. The kitchen walls and flooring were in a poor state, adequate pest-control measures were not in place and food items were found stored directly on the floor. Records of mandatory health check-ups and training for employees were also unavailable.KURLA HOTEL SCORES JUST 28% DURING INSPECTIONThe FDA also suspended the food registration certificate of Gulzar Mohammedi Hotel in Kurla West following an inspection on August 27. The establishment scored just 24 out of the prescribed assessment criteria, or 28 per cent, indicating serious hygiene and regulatory shortcomings. Inspectors found the kitchen extremely dirty and poorly maintained, with grime and grease deposits on walls and ceilings and peeling plaster. The floor was damaged and uneven, while the storage of raw and cooked food was found to be inadequate.Dirty drains, delayed garbage disposal and food stored in open and unhygienic areas were also reported. Employees were not using gloves or headgear, while mandatory purchase and sales invoices and audit records were not produced during the inspection. The FDA suspended the hotel's food registration certificate on August 31 and prohibited the production, storage, sale and distribution of food from the premises.BLINKIT LICENCE SUSPENDED IN AKOLAIn Akola, the FDA suspended the food licence of Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd (Blinkit) after finding that several deficiencies remained unresolved despite an earlier improvement notice.A preliminary inspection on August 12 had resulted in a notice directing the establishment to rectify the violations. However, a subsequent inspection found damaged and torn plastic curtains at the entrances of the walk-in chiller and freezer, along with improper rack arrangements.Food and non-food items were reportedly stored on the same racks, while food packets were kept directly on the floor. Dust and garbage had accumulated on the premises, and no regular cleaning schedule was available.Employees were also found not using gloves and headgear, while required purchase and sales invoices and audit records were not produced.After a hearing and finding that the deficiencies persisted despite the improvement notice, the FDA ordered the licence suspended on August 31.165 LITRES OF MILK SEIZED, DESTROYED IN SANGLIIn Sangli's Miraj taluka, FDA officials raided Mayakka Milk Collection Centre on August 31 and found serious lapses in the storage and handling of milk.Officials collected nine samples of raw cow's milk and one sample of raw buffalo milk for testing. During the inspection, around 120 litres of raw cow's milk and 43 litres of raw buffalo milk, totalling 165 litres, were seized and destroyed on the spot.The FDA found that the milk had been kept at room temperature for more than four hours. No authorised records or registers related to milk collection and storage were available, raising concerns over the safety and traceability of the product.Officials also alleged that a government seal placed on a cream separator installed by the business had been broken. The seal had been affixed by the FDA administration on August 11, 2026.- EndsPublished By: Priyanka KumariPublished On: Sep 1, 2026 20:13 IST