Fast Food Giants Under Scrutiny by Maharashtra Food & Drug Administration
Maharashtra FDA intensifies scrutiny on fast food giants to ensure proper cheese labeling and food safety standards. Recent inspections target major global chains like McDonald's, with a focus on real cheese usage. Learn more about the regulatory actions and industry responses.
In a move to ensure food safety and proper labeling, fast food giants across Maharashtra have come under the radar of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA will conduct inspections at all global fast food outlets to verify whether cheese alternatives are being used in products that are falsely advertised as containing real cheese.
This action follows a recent crackdown by the FDA on McDonald's outlets in Ahmednagar district, where licenses were temporarily suspended due to violations related to the labeling of cheese products. Subsequently, after compliance measures were taken and the term "cheese" was removed from the menu, the suspension was lifted.
Abhimanyu Kale, Commissioner of the FDA, stated that the inspection drive has already commenced, with a focus on major outlets and brands to ensure compliance with display and labeling regulations.
Kale emphasized, "It is an ongoing inspection drive across the state, and appropriate action will be taken against any violations found at other prominent global fast-food chain outlets."
Sources indicate that food inspectors will also visit Indian franchisee outlets of popular brands such as Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Burger King, and KFC.
Regarding the issue, McDonald's has reassured consumers online, asserting that their cheese products are sourced from globally approved suppliers and are made from real milk without any substitutes or analogues.
Despite the potential repercussions for these chains, Westlife Foodworld expressed confidence in its adherence to high standards and welcomed the inspections.
A senior official highlighted that inspections have intensified since last year following an incident at Papa Pancho Restaurant in Bandra, where a customer found a dead mouse in their food. "We have observed that many food establishments have compromised food safety standards, leading to various violations. Over 250 restaurants have been raided, with 22 facing work closure notices due to severe violations and 170 receiving improvement notices," the official stated.
What's Your Reaction?
