FDA suspends Malad food licence, Kurla hotel registration over hygiene lapses

Delhi Sweet and Bhelpuri House in Malad West must stop producing, storing, selling and distributing food after the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration suspended its food licence following an August 25 inspection.

FDA officials reported that uncooked samosas were stored near the utensil-washing area, close to an open drain and stagnant water. They also reported an unclean overhead water tank, unlabelled paneer and lassi, and no food or water testing reports from an NABL-accredited laboratory. Of 36 food handlers, 26 did not have medical certificates, the FDA said.

In Kurla West, the FDA suspended Gulzar Mohammedi Hotel’s registration certificate on August 31 following an August 27 inspection. The hotel scored 24 out of 88 in the inspection, according to the FDA. Officials reported broken flooring, peeling plaster, dirty and clogged drains, cockroaches, rotten vegetables and cooked food kept uncovered.

The Kurla hotel also did not produce water and food testing records, purchase invoices, approved-vendor details, or food-handler medical and vaccination records, the FDA said. Both establishments can resume operations after correcting the deficiencies and complying with food-safety requirements.