The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified its food safety enforcement drive across the state, taking action against restaurants, caterers, food establishments and institutional messes over serious hygiene, food handling and regulatory violations.
During targeted inspections conducted across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai between August 4 and August 6, 2026, FDA officials found several establishments allegedly operating with significant lapses in kitchen hygiene, food storage, documentation and mandatory food safety practices.
The latest action comes as part of the FDA's broader “Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra” campaign, led by FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. Between May 25 and July 31, the department inspected 3,137 food establishments, suspended 165 licences and seized or destroyed unsafe food products valued at around ₹55.72 crore.
Punjab Grill among establishments facing licence action
At Punjab Grill in Navi Mumbai, FDA officials reportedly found cockroach infestation, highly unhygienic conditions and stagnant water inside the premises. The establishment was also found to be missing mandatory records.
The violations were considered serious enough for the FDA to suspend its food licence.
The action highlights the regulator's focus not only on the quality of food being served but also on the conditions in which food is prepared, stored and handled.
Hygiene and documentation lapses found at Dadar outlet
At Eat Nino Pvt Ltd in Dadar, inspectors identified several shortcomings related to hygiene and food safety practices.
The inspection reportedly found poor overall hygiene, the presence of houseflies and inadequate personal hygiene among food handlers. The establishment was also found to be failing to follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP).
More significantly, officials found no water-testing reports, medical fitness records for food handlers or FOSTAC training certificates.
These documents form an important part of food safety compliance, particularly for establishments involved in preparing and serving food to consumers.
Food stored near toilets, uncovered dough found at Andheri dhaba
At Jai Maa Kali Dhaba in Andheri West, FDA officials found damaged plywood and rusted storage racks. Food items were reportedly being stored directly next to toilets, while uncovered dough was exposed to flies.
The inspection also found refrigerators operating without temperature display monitors, raising concerns over whether appropriate storage temperatures were being maintained.
Temperature control is particularly important for perishable foods, as improper storage can increase the risk of bacterial growth and foodborne illness.
Newspaper used for food packing at Santacruz establishment
At A J Hospitality / House of Maharashtra in Santacruz West, inspectors reportedly found cockroach infestation along with the use of non-food-grade packaging materials.
The establishment was also found packing food items inside newspapers.
The practice has long been a food-safety concern because printed material can potentially transfer contaminants and chemicals onto food, particularly when used directly for wrapping or serving.
South India Dosa Corner faces licence suspension
The FDA also suspended the licence of South India Dosa Corner in Kurla West following what officials described as serious food safety and hygiene non-compliance.
The action forms part of the wider enforcement drive targeting establishments that fail to meet mandatory food safety requirements.
Stop-business notices issued to three establishments
The enforcement action was not limited to licence suspensions.
The FDA also issued stop-business notices to Maroosh in Prabhadevi, Chathradharr Caterers at MMRDA BKC and Vijaydeep Mahila Audyogik Utpadak Sahakari Sanstha in Govandi.
Such notices prevent the concerned establishments from continuing operations until the regulatory issues are addressed and the necessary permissions or compliance requirements are fulfilled.
Two IIT Bombay mess facilities ordered to stop operations
In another significant action, the FDA ordered two mess facilities at IIT Bombay to cease operations after inspectors found that they were functioning without the required food registrations and licences.
The facilities were located inside Hostels 1 and 2.
The IIT Bombay action has brought institutional food services into the spotlight, underlining that food safety regulations apply equally to commercial establishments, caterers and institutional kitchens. The FDA's direction was reported by PTI and covered by The Times of India.
Action extends beyond Mumbai
The enforcement drive has also reached other parts of Maharashtra.
In Amravati, the FDA suspended the licences of Hotel Roshani and Roshni Sweet Mart over critical sanitation and food-handling failures.
In Nagpur, The Hangry Panda Kitchen also faced licence suspension following food safety-related violations.
What the crackdown means for food businesses
The latest enforcement action sends a clear message to restaurants, caterers, cloud kitchens, institutional messes and other food businesses across Maharashtra: food safety compliance is not limited to having a valid licence.
Maintaining hygienic kitchens, preventing pest infestations, ensuring safe food storage, maintaining temperature controls, using appropriate food-contact materials and keeping mandatory records are all critical components of compliance.
The scale of the ongoing campaign also suggests that food businesses across the state are likely to face greater scrutiny as the FDA continues its “Safe Food, Safe Maharashtra” enforcement drive.
For consumers, the inspections highlight the importance of food safety standards that often remain invisible behind the scenes — from kitchen cleanliness and pest control to the training and medical fitness of food handlers.
For food businesses, meanwhile, the message is increasingly straightforward: compliance cannot be treated as paperwork alone; it has to be part of everyday operations.