Blood stains, roaches: Tukaram Mundhe's team suspends licences of 5 Mumbai eateries, dairy

Tukaram Mundhe-led Maharashtra FDA suspended licences of five Mumbai establishments over food safety violations, including blood and ketchup stains on refrigerators, cockroaches and ants found during inspections. The action also covered alleged adulterated ghee production and an establishment operating without a valid food licence.

In Short

• Fake ghee made with sunflower oil and vanaspati seized at Gurukripa Dairy in Malad
• Gufran Seek Corner in Versova ordered to stop operations for lacking valid food licence
• BJRS Restaurant in Mahalaxmi found with poor hygiene and pest issues, licence suspended

Ahead of the festive season, the Tukaram Mundhe-led Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cracked down on five establishments in Mumbai over food quality and hygiene violations within a span of 24 hours. The department has suspended the licences of all five establishments with immediate effect. The cases include alleged manufacture of adulterated ghee, carrying out food business without a valid licence, and serious shortcomings related to cleanliness and hygiene.

MANUFACTURE OF FAKE GHEE IN MALAD

Action was taken against Gurukripa Dairy Products in Malad East on September 21. During an FDA inspection, authorities claimed that fake white and yellow ghee was being prepared by mixing refined sunflower oil, vanaspati and branded ghee. The product was reportedly being sold under the name 'Pooja Ghee.'

During the inspection, rats and cockroaches were also found on the premises. According to the department, around 2,464.05 kg of adulterated and misleadingly labelled ghee, refined sunflower oil and vanaspati were seized. The total estimated value of the seized goods was around Rs 15.15 lakh. Two boiler machines and a khoya machine were also seized.

BUSINESS OPERATING WITHOUT A LICENCE IN VERSOVA

During an inspection of Gufran Seek Corner in Versova, the establishment was found not to have a valid food licence/registration. According to the FDA, several deficiencies were found under food safety regulations.

These included the testing of drinking water, proper storage and segregation of food items, cleanliness of the premises and equipment, pest control, and medical examinations and records of food handlers.

On September 22, the establishment was ordered to immediately stop operations. It was directed not to resume business until a valid licence is obtained and the deficiencies are rectified.

ACTION AGAINST BJRS (GALLOPS) RESTAURANT IN MAHALAXMI

The licence of BJRS (Gallops) Restaurant in Mahalaxmi has also been suspended with immediate effect. During the inspection, blood and ketchup stains from non-vegetarian food items were found in the refrigerator, along with torn and damaged packaging containing raw materials. Grease accumulation in the kitchen and damaged walls were also found.

In addition, the drainage system did not have adequate covering, cockroaches and ants were present, and waterlogging was found. Records related to annual medical examinations and vaccinations of food handlers were also not available.

ACTION AGAINST DREAMER HOSPITALITY IN BANDRA WEST

During an inspection of Dreamer Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. in Bandra West, violations of food hygiene and health-related regulations were found. According to the department, further legal action is being taken in the matter under the applicable rules.

LICENCE OF MIRARI IN BANDRA WEST SUSPENDED

During an inspection of Mirari in Bandra West, violations of the food safety provisions prescribed under 'Schedule 4' were also found. The administration has initiated legal action against the establishment and suspended its licence with immediate effect.

WHERE CAN FOOD-RELATED COMPLAINTS BE MADE?

The FDA has appealed to people to report complaints related to food quality or adulteration. They can contact the toll-free number 1800222365. Complaints can also be filed on the Food & Drug Grievance Portal.

- Ends