Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licences of Mumbai Restaurants and Private Clubs Over Hygiene Failures
Published on 07/29/2026 at 01:27 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
Mumbai's food safety regulator has suspended the licences of several high-profile eateries and private clubs, including the historic Cricket Club of India, after inspections uncovered cockroach infestations, mouldy vegetables, and widespread sanitary failures. The crackdown serves as a sharp reminder to UK hospitality businesses that food safety regulators are increasingly willing to use enforcement powers to protect public health.
Historic Fort Restaurant Closed After Kitchen Found in "Deplorable" State
Poornima Restaurant, a 60-year-old Udupi establishment in Mumbai's Fort area, was ordered to cease food operations on 23 July after inspectors found fungal growth on raw vegetables, flies throughout the kitchen, and raw materials stored alongside cooked food — a direct contamination risk.
The inspection report also identified stagnant water, dirty drains, peeling paint, rusted surfaces, and non-food-grade barrels used for pickle storage. Staff medical records, which are mandatory under Indian food safety law, were absent. The restaurant must remain closed until all compliance issues are verified by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Cockroaches and Expired Stock at Cricket Club of India
In a series of inspections on 27 July, the FDA suspended the FSSAI licences of four of Mumbai's most prestigious private sports clubs: the Cricket Club of India (CCI), the MIG Cricket Club, the Willingdon Sports Club, and both the RK and Aparna Juhu Gymkhanas.
At CCI, inspectors found cockroach and fly infestations in the kitchen and bakery, along with mouldy vegetables, expired food items, and condensation dripping onto stored food. The club had failed to follow basic inventory management such as First-In-First-Out (FIFO) rotation, did not properly segregate vegetarian and non-vegetarian products, and stored utensils on the floor. Grease had accumulated heavily in cooking areas.
The MIG Cricket Club was suspended for operating an unauthorised catering service, Nebula Catering, without the required licence. Inspectors also found cockroaches, cobwebs, and improper food storage. The Goregaon Sports Club received a "stop business" notice for operating without any valid licence at all.
Statewide Drive Seizes 21 Tonnes of Unsafe Food
The Mumbai actions are part of a broader enforcement campaign across Maharashtra state. Recent inspections covered 81 establishments, resulting in 11 licence suspensions and 12 improvement notices. The FDA also targeted several bakeries, including Meraz Crystal, Anmol, Maharashtra, Sawa, and Ujwala.
To date, the crackdown has seized 205 litres of suspected adulterated milk and 21,434 kilograms of unsafe food. Banned products valued at approximately Rs 46.59 lakh have been confiscated. Authorities have filed 18 First Information Reports (FIRs) and made 22 arrests as the monitoring campaign continues.
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