The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licences of six restaurants and eateries, including a well-known restaurant at Nariman Point, after inspections uncovered unhygienic kitchens, expired food items and misbranded products.
The action is part of a statewide enforcement drive to strengthen food safety standards across Maharashtra. The establishments facing action include Flint & Waarsa in south Mumbai, along with five other restaurants, hotels and a bakery located in Borivali, Santacruz, Andheri, Bandra and Bhandup.
During an inspection at Flint & Waarsa on June 27, FDA officials detected misbranded food products and collected five samples for laboratory testing. Authorities also seized food stock worth INR 11,350 and destroyed expired food items valued at INR 16,201 that had been stored beyond their shelf life.
Subsequent inspections carried out on June 30 at the remaining establishments revealed multiple food safety violations, including cockroach and rat infestations, improper storage of raw ingredients, inadequate refrigeration and unhygienic kitchen conditions.
Officials also found that several establishments lacked mandatory regulatory documents, while employees had not undergone the prescribed medical examinations required under food safety regulations.
In a statement, the FDA said the licences were suspended due to "serious deficiencies in cleanliness, inadequate refrigeration facilities and the absence of an effective customer grievance redressal mechanism."
The inspections were conducted as part of a statewide crackdown between June 26 and June 28, during which the FDA carried out 31 raids across Maharashtra.
The enforcement drive also led to the seizure of banned food products, including pan masala and gutkha, worth INR 34.87 lakh. Nineteen people were arrested for their alleged involvement in the sale, distribution and transportation of prohibited products. The department also sealed one establishment and impounded three vehicles.
The FDA said it would continue strict enforcement measures and initiate legal action against food businesses found violating food safety norms and endangering public health.