Maharashtra Food Safety Commissioner Tukaram Munde has said there will be “no compromise” on food safety, launching surprise inspections and action against well-known restaurants and multinational fast-food brands for alleged violations.
Food safety teams inspected 89 popular hotels, restaurants and dhabas across the state. Officials issued improvement notices to 71 establishments and suspended the licences of 13, citing concerns over cleanliness and food quality.
Among those facing suspension were the Bombay Presidency Radio Club and a McDonald’s family restaurant in South Mumbai, where hygiene deficiencies were flagged. During the suspension period, the units were directed to halt procurement, sale and distribution of food items.
McDonald’s said it respects regulatory action and would rectify the shortcomings pointed out by officials, reiterating that it does not compromise on hygiene and food safety. The company also submitted a 148-page compliance report, but Munde said key issues were still not adequately addressed.
Officials also took action against other outlets, including shawarma, snacks and sweets shops, and reported findings at KFC chicken outlets such as spoiled food, unhygienic conditions and the presence of cockroaches. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, inspectors said insects were found in stored corn and millet flour kept for use in a restaurant and a banquet facility.
