Roaches, dirty drains, poor storage: FDA suspends Blinkit licence in Akola, cracks down on 2 Mumbai eateries

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of a Blinkit quick-commerce hub in Akola and two eateries in Mumbai after surprise inspections found severe hygiene lapses, cockroach infestation, unsafe food storage and other violations, officials said on Tuesday.

FDA teams inspected Delhi Sweet and Bhelpuri House in Malad, Gulzar Mohammadi Hotel in Kurla West and a Blinkit centre in Akola, news agency PTI reported.

The inspections found multiple violations, including food being stored near dirty drains, uncertified food handlers and failure to comply with earlier improvement notices, according to the agency.

Blinkit Akola licence suspended over non-compliance

In Akola, the FDA suspended the state food licence of a Blinkit centre after a re-inspection found that several deficiencies mentioned in an earlier improvement notice had not been rectified.

These included poor storage conditions and unsuitable racks, among other food safety violations.

Malad eatery found with unsafe water, unlabelled food

Delhi Sweet and Bhelpuri House in Malad was found using unfiltered tap water for cooking and drinking without the required water-test reports, the FDA said.

The establishment was also producing and repacking lassi, sweets, paneer and farsan despite having a licence only for Category 16, covering prepared foods.

FDA officials seized unlabelled paneer and lassi without expiry dates from the premises.

Of the 36 food handlers, 26 did not have mandatory medical certificates. Some workers were also found handling food despite having unbandaged burns and untrimmed nails, the agency said.

Kurla hotel scores 28% in hygiene inspection

The FDA suspended the food registration certificate of Gulzar Mohammadi Hotel in Kurla West following an inspection on August 27.

The establishment scored just 24 out of 88 marks, or 28%, during the inspection.

Officials found severe unhygienic conditions, cockroach infestation, contaminated food, improper drainage and a lack of required water-testing reports, the FDA said.

The hotel has been barred from producing, storing, selling or distributing food during the suspension period.

The action followed a hearing held on August 31, after which the licence was suspended until further orders for non-compliance with food safety requirements.

FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said the administration would take stringent legal action against establishments that compromise food quality and public health.

(With agency inputs)