The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified its drive against food adulteration and unsafe food practices, taking action against Gupta Chana Bhandar, a popular shop in Mulund.
During an inspection, officials found highly unhygienic conditions that posed a risk to public health, leading to the seizure of several food items, including dry puris, fine sev, roasted chana, puffed rice and green peas.
Acting on the directions of FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe and under the guidance of Joint Commissioner (Food) Mahesh Chaudhary and Assistant Commissioner Meghna Pawar, a special team led by Food Safety Officers Chhatrapalsingh Rajput and Hrishikesh Darshanwad launched a campaign against food businesses violating safety standards in Mumbai.
As part of the drive, officials inspected Gupta Chana Bhandar, located at TG-137, 1/1 Dumping Road, Gautam Nagar, Mulund West. The inspection revealed extremely unsanitary conditions within the premises. Authorities also found that several packaged food products being manufactured and sold at the shop did not carry mandatory legal labels, such as the manufacturer's details, date of manufacture, or expiry date.
Taking serious note of these violations, the FDA seized 114.2 kilograms of food products worth INR 8,290. Samples of the seized items have been sent for laboratory analysis, and further legal action will be taken based on the test results.
The FDA stated that it will continue to conduct aggressive enforcement drives against businesses engaged in unhygienic, negligent and illegal food practices to ensure that consumers have access to safe, pure and quality food products.
Business Ordered to Remain Closed
The administration found serious hygiene lapses, a possible pest infestation and widespread violations of food safety regulations at Gupta Chana Bhandar. As a result, the shop has been ordered to remain closed with immediate effect until all deficiencies identified by the authorities are rectified and the premises are thoroughly sanitized and cleaned.