3 ISKCON Juhu Food Outlets Face FDA Action Over Pest, Drainage and Hygiene Violations

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of three food establishments at ISKCON’s Hare Krishna Land in Juhu, citing serious violations of food-safety and hygiene standards.

The action followed inspections on September 3, which found shortcomings related to sanitation, pest control, food storage, testing and staff hygiene. The crackdown is part of a wider enforcement drive by the Maharashtra FDA under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.

Among the establishments facing action is the popular Govinda’s Restaurant, along with the Food Services Restaurant and another food facility operating within the Juhu temple complex.

FDA Finds Multiple Lapses at ISKCON Juhu

At Govinda’s Restaurant, officials reportedly found water accumulation in the cold-storage area and clogged drains without grease or cockroach traps. The inspection also revealed evidence of pest infestation and inadequate drinking-water testing.

The FDA flagged improper inspection and cleaning of raw materials, food-storage practices that could increase cross-contamination risks, and gaps in food testing and equipment calibration. Some food handlers were also found working without aprons and gloves.

At the Food Services Restaurant, inspectors found raw and cooked food stored without proper segregation, along with insect droppings in the storeroom. The facility also lacked required laboratory testing and had inadequate lighting.

Officials further reported clogged drains containing food waste, an open rear kitchen entrance that could allow pests to enter, and deficiencies in raw-material handling, staff medical checks, vaccination and training records.

The third establishment was also found to have deficiencies involving sanitation, pest control, personal hygiene, food storage, equipment maintenance and safety documentation.

ISKCON Juhu said it had received the FDA notice and had started corrective measures. The temple administration said the FDA assessed its compliance at around 70% and identified areas requiring improvement.

ISKCON said its kitchen operations would remain closed until corrective measures were completed and full compliance was achieved.

FDA Action Across Other Mumbai Food Businesses

Apart from that, the recent crackdown also covered several other establishments across Mumbai:

• Malad West: A Zepto-linked facility was suspended after inspectors reportedly found cockroaches, inadequate refrigeration for dairy products and poor potable-water arrangements.
• Kalwa, Thane: A Zepto hub faced suspension after expired food products were reportedly found.
• Kurla West: The licence of IRCTC-linked R K Associates & Hoteliers was suspended over cockroach infestation, uncovered food, poor hygiene and staff medical-record deficiencies.
• Ghatkopar: Bombay’s — The Food Fusion Cafe faced a recommendation for licence suspension after inspectors found raw chicken stored near uncovered cooked rice and other hygiene lapses.
• Borivali East: Action was recommended against Shree Madhuram for operating as a restaurant despite being registered as a hawker/mobile food vendor.
• Mulund West: Kothari Sweet and Mulund Farsan Mart faced licence suspensions over alleged unauthorised production, expired food and pest-related violations.
• Goregaon East: Maharashtra Biryani Center was suspended over hygiene, pest-control, drainage and documentation issues.

The latest action highlights the FDA’s intensified focus on food hygiene, pest control, safe storage, staff health and compliance across Mumbai’s food-service sector.