Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of three Mumbai eateries, seizes edible oil worth ₹23.35 lakh

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the licences or registrations of three food establishments in Mumbai, including a Domino’s Pizza outlet in Parel, between October 9 and 13, following inspections that revealed serious food safety and hygiene violations.In separate operations on October 12, the department also seized suspected adulterated and misbranded edible oil worth ₹23.35 lakh in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and prohibited food products and a vehicle collectively valued at ₹10 lakh in Beed district.The action against the three Mumbai establishments was taken following inspections that revealed violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and its associated rules and regulations. The establishments include Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd. (Domino’s Pizza) in Parel, Maaz Food Parcel and Catering in Bhandup West, and Mughal Dhaba in Kurla West.The food licence of the Domino’s Pizza outlet at Rangoli Time Complex on Dr Ambedkar Road in Parel was suspended on October 12.Despite an improvement notice issued after an inspection on August 11, a reinspection on October 9 found several violations. These included vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items being stored together in the same deep freezer, and chicken and paneer being prepared on the same oven or grill. The outlet had also failed to submit a conformity report for food-contact packaging materials and maintain records of food delivery vehicles and preventive equipment maintenance.In Bhandup West, the food licence of Maaz Food Parcel and Catering on LBS Marg was suspended on October 13 after inspectors found cockroach infestation in the kitchen, clogged and unclean drains, and prepared food items without labels.Artificial food colour was also found in the kitchen. The establishment was also found using fat spread despite mentioning butter on its menu, thereby misleading customers. Other violations included the absence of separate chopping boards for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, missing purchase bills and food-grade certificates for packaging materials, and workers operating without aprons or gloves.Meanwhile, the registration of Mughal Dhaba on LBS Marg in Kurla West was suspended on October 9 following a complaint about stale food received through an order placed on Zomato.During an inspection on October 8, officials found drains clogged with food waste and stagnant, dirty water, an open rear door without insect-proof mesh, rusted refrigeration equipment and utensils, and peeling paint and plaster on the walls. Inspectors also found that vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items were not segregated and open dustbins were placed near onion stocks.In a separate operation in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on October 12, FDA officials raided an edible oil repacking unit operated by Bajrang Trading Company at Jafar Gate, Juna Mondha. During the inspection, officials sealed and seized 12,382 kg of suspected adulterated and misbranded refined soybean oil and refined palmolein oil, collectively valued at ₹23,35,654. The seized stock included Keshar Gold-branded tins and cans, along with loose oil stored in tanks.The establishment received only 10 out of 206 marks, or approximately five per cent, during the inspection and was declared non-compliant. Officials reported several hygiene and operational deficiencies, including garbage accumulated on the roof, unhygienic toilets, oil spillage, improper storage of goods, and the absence of pest-control measures. The unit also lacked records of workers’ medical examinations, oil purchases, and laboratory or food technologist services. Its food licence was suspended with immediate effect.In Beed district, FDA officials conducted a raid at Limbaganesh on October 12 in connection with the alleged illegal sale and transportation of prohibited food items. Officials seized products worth ₹4,60,056 and a vehicle valued at ₹5.40 lakh, taking the total value of the seizure to ₹10,00,056.An FIR was registered at Neknur Police Station under Sections 123, 223, 274 and 275 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act.The FDA has urged citizens to report complaints concerning food quality and other malpractices through its toll-free helpline, 1800222365, or the department’s online grievance portal.