Cockroaches, clogged Drains: FDA suspends licences of IRCTC supplier, ISKCON outlets

Maharashtra FDA suspended licences of an IRCTC-linked Kurla supplier and three ISKCON Juhu outlets after inspections found cockroaches, clogged drains, pest droppings and hygiene lapses.The FDA suspended the restaurant’s licence with immediate effect on September 7 after reviewing the inspection report and photographs.Cockroaches in food storage areas, clogged drains containing food waste and pest droppings, uncovered food and inadequate staff hygiene were among the lapses flagged by Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during inspections across Mumbai. The inspections led to the suspension of the food licence of an IRCTC-linked supplier in Kurla and three food establishments at ISKCON’s Hare Krishna Land in Juhu.At IRCTC-linked supplier R K Associates & Hoteliers Pvt Ltd in Kurla West, which was inspected on September 2, officials found cockroaches in storage and food-processing areas, uncovered food and food preparation taking place near open garbage. They also reported damaged floor tiles, cracks and damaged wall surfaces.The inspection also raised concerns over staff hygiene. An employee with an injured finger was allegedly handling food, while only 21 of the 34 food handlers were able to produce medical fitness certificates.The action comes amid a statewide crackdown by the Maharashtra FDA on food establishments violating safety and hygiene norms, launched after IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe took charge as commissioner in May. The FDA inspected five establishments supplying food to railway passengers through IRCTC-affiliated base kitchens and food plazas in Mumbai.While R K Associates & Hoteliers had its licence suspended, improvement notices were issued to four others - Om Sai Ram Enterprises and Ambuj Hotels & Real Estate in Chembur, Express Food Services in Powai and Araha Hospitality in Thane East. At ISKCON Govindas Restaurant in Juhu, inspectors found clogged drains, water accumulation in the cold storage area and evidence of pest infestation. Raw, cooked and vegetarian food was not properly segregated, creating a potential risk of cross-contamination.The restaurant was also found to be lacking mandatory food and drinking-water testing, proper raw-material checks and required records. Officials flagged gaps in equipment calibration, staff medical fitness certificates, protective clothing, training and periodic food-safety audits.The FDA suspended the restaurant’s licence with immediate effect on September 7 after reviewing the inspection report and photographs.Another ISKCON food establishment was found to have inadequate records for water testing, improper raw-material inspection and unsuitable temperature and humidity conditions for storing raw and prepared food. Officials also flagged inadequate cleaning, pest infestation and the unsafe storage of food and non-food items.At the ISKCON food services restaurant, inspectors found an open rear kitchen entrance without adequate pest-control measures. Clogged drains containing food waste and pest droppings were also reported, along with lapses in food testing, cleaning, lighting, raw-material inspection and staff records.The latest action is part of a wider statewide enforcement drive by the Maharashtra FDA against food businesses violating safety and hygiene norms.The department has also suspended or recommended action against several other establishments in Mumbai and neighbouring areas, including Kothari Sweet, Mulund Farsan Mart and Maharashtra Biryani Center.In Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, the FDA suspended the licence of Mateshwari Milk after alleging that the facility claimed to sell pasteurised milk despite having no pasteurisation equipment on site. Officials also alleged that loose toned milk was being sold as cow milk and loose standardised milk as buffalo milk.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Sep 8, 2026 22:41 IST