Two canteens operating on the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay campus have been ordered to cease operations after the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found them violating food safety regulations during a recent inspection. A third canteen received an improvement notice for failing to comply with certain food safety standards despite holding a valid licence.
The inspection, conducted on Wednesday, August 5, was triggered by a complaint, according to FDA officials.
During the inspection, FDA officials discovered that two campus canteens were allegedly operating without valid licences issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). As a result, stop-business notices were issued, leading to the temporary closure of both facilities.
Officials said one of the unlicensed canteens was managed either by the students' union or by the institute itself, rather than by a private contractor.
"A large number of students were eating there when our officers conducted the inspection," an FDA official said. "Some students asked where they would eat if the canteen was shut. Our officers informed them that several licensed eateries are available across Mumbai."
In addition to the closures, the FDA served an improvement notice to another canteen that possessed a valid FSSAI licence but was found to be non-compliant with certain food safety and hygiene norms. The operator has been directed to address the shortcomings and ensure compliance with prescribed regulations.
Responding to the action, an IIT Bombay spokesperson confirmed that a few campus eateries had been inspected by the FDA and that the institute had received preliminary recommendations.
"Some of our eateries were reviewed and suggestions and recommendations have been provided by the FDA. We are awaiting the detailed inspection report," the spokesperson said.
The institute added that it is committed to implementing all recommendations and ensuring full compliance with food safety regulations.
"We are keen on carrying out all necessary improvements and complying with the directions issued by the authorities," the spokesperson said.
The action at IIT Bombay is part of the Maharashtra FDA's ongoing statewide crackdown on food establishments to improve hygiene standards and ensure compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act.
In recent weeks, the enforcement drive has affected restaurants, institutional canteens, government offices, and other food establishments across the state. The campaign has also prompted three major hospitality industry associations to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, seeking intervention and urging authorities to ensure due process during inspections.
This is not the first time IIT Bombay has come under FDA scrutiny. In 2011, the agency initiated action after nearly 600 students reportedly suffered food poisoning linked to meals served on the campus.
The latest inspection comes amid heightened monitoring of food safety standards at educational institutions across Maharashtra. The FDA said inspections are being carried out to assess hygiene, food handling practices and regulatory compliance, with institutions expected to take corrective measures wherever deficiencies are identified.
IIT Bombay has said it will examine the FDA's detailed findings once the final report is received and implement all necessary corrective actions to maintain prescribed food safety standards.