Maharashtra has stepped up its food safety crackdown across Mumbai, with the state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspending the licences of six food establishments and authorities shutting down 22 railway food stalls over hygiene and quality violations.
The latest inspections have brought renewed attention to food safety in restaurants, clubs, bakeries, quick-commerce operations and railway stalls, with officials warning that establishments failing to meet prescribed standards will face strict action.
The Maharashtra FDA conducted inspections at several food businesses across Mumbai and issued improvement notices to six establishments. Their food licences were subsequently suspended following serious violations. Officials said that none of the licences was cancelled.
Among the establishments facing regulatory action were Otters Club in Bandra, Daily Fresh Bakers in Dahisar, Prince of Wales Restaurant in Khar West, Cafe Sifarish in Andheri West, Raj Oil Trading in Vile Parle East and Zepto Limited in Chembur. Action was also taken against another food establishment in the city.
Inspectors reported a range of food safety concerns, including poor storage practices, unhygienic conditions, pest-related issues and the presence of expired or unsuitable ingredients.
At Otters Club, officials reportedly found several lapses related to food storage and maintenance. The inspection also found analogue paneer supplied by Punjab Sind Dairy being used and labelled as “Regular Paneer”.
At Daily Fresh Bakers & Cakes in Dahisar East, the FDA found cakes being prepared on a tiled surface, along with the presence of cockroaches, flies and ants.
The registration certificate of Prince of Wales Restaurant in Khar West was suspended after inspectors found shortcomings in temperature control, storage, pest prevention, equipment hygiene and waste disposal.
At Raj Oil Trading in Vile Parle East, officials reported poor storage arrangements, hygiene issues and inadequate temperature and humidity control. Some oil packets reportedly showed signs of rodent damage, while an unpleasant smell was detected in the storage area. Its food licence was suspended.
Cafe Sifarish in Marol also faced licence suspension following reported shortcomings in temperature control, food storage, pest prevention, equipment hygiene and facilities for workers' personal hygiene.
The food safety drive also extended to railway stations. In a joint operation with the Commercial Department of Western Railway, the FDA ordered the closure of 22 food stalls after identifying serious hygiene and quality violations.
Bandra station recorded the highest number of closures, with 11 stalls ordered shut. Similar action was taken at stations including Grant Road, Lower Parel, Charni Road and Marine Lines.
Officials found issues such as poorly prepared food, unclean stall premises and missing medical certificates for food handlers.
Western Railway said that 1,523 routine and surprise inspections were conducted across its network between January and July 2026. During this period, 22 stalls were penalised and vendors were collectively fined Rs 1.14 lakh.
The crackdown is not limited to established restaurants and railway vendors. Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has directed officials to intensify inspections of eateries operating around educational institutions.
Mundhe said the FDA recently held a video conference with senior officials from the Education Department, district authorities, municipal administrations and other agencies. Officials were instructed to take up the enforcement drive on a “mission mode” basis.
He indicated that the intensified action could have a visible impact within the next eight to 10 days, suggesting that more inspections and enforcement measures are likely in the immediate future.
Roadside food businesses across Maharashtra are also facing increased scrutiny. Authorities are inspecting outlets selling popular street foods, including Chinese dishes and vada pav, as part of the wider food safety campaign.
Mundhe said inspections had already resulted in improvements in cleanliness at some locations, while acknowledging that more work remains.
The FDA has also urged consumers to report food outlets where they observe unsanitary conditions and to avoid purchasing food from establishments that fail to maintain basic hygiene standards.
The latest action highlights the growing focus on food safety across Mumbai's restaurants, railway stalls and roadside eateries. From improper storage and expired ingredients to adulteration and inadequate hygiene, the violations found during inspections can pose significant risks to consumers.
With the FDA promising continued inspections, more establishments could come under scrutiny in the coming weeks.
For consumers, officials' message is straightforward: check the cleanliness of food outlets, remain cautious about food quality and report serious hygiene violations to the authorities.
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