Maharashtra FDA Raids ISKCON Food Units in Mumbai; Licences Suspended Over Food Safety Violations
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), led by Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, has suspended the licences of three ISKCON Juhu food establishments after inspections found serious food-safety and hygiene violations, including pest infestation, poor storage, blocked drainage and inadequate segregation of raw and cooked food.
FDA Action Against Three ISKCON Food Units
The Maharashtra FDA has intensified its crackdown on food establishments across the state, with three food units operated by ISKCON Juhu facing licence suspensions following inspections conducted on September 3.
The establishments include the main food facility at Hare Krishna Land, ISKCON Juhu Food Services–Restaurant, and Govinda’s Restaurant.
Serious Hygiene Violations Found
At the main food establishment at Hare Krishna Land, FDA officials found inadequate checks of raw materials, improper storage conditions, pest infestation, poor cleaning and drainage issues.
Inspectors also noted missing records related to water testing, employee medical checks, vaccination, food-safety training and audits.
At Govinda’s Restaurant, officials found standing water inside cold storage, blocked drains, pest-control deficiencies and inadequate separation of raw and cooked food.
FDA Expands Crackdown Across Mumbai and Pune
The action against the ISKCON establishments was part of a wider food-safety drive by the Maharashtra FDA.
According to the report, licences of six food establishments in Mumbai, three in the Konkan division and 11 in the Pune division were suspended. In Pune, 12 establishments faced action, including one establishment ordered to stop operations for allegedly functioning without a valid food licence.
Zepto Facility Faces Licence Suspension
The FDA also suspended the licence of Drogheria Sellers Pvt Ltd (Zepto) in Malad West.
Inspectors reportedly found live cockroaches in packed egg boxes and on a beverage table. Milk, paneer and curd were found stored at 14–15°C, while the expected temperature was 2–6°C.
The inspection also found cold storage temperatures of 20–21°C, along with expired food products kept on shelves for sale.
Milk Seller Also Penalised
Mateshwari Milk in Kharghar faced licence suspension after FDA officials found discrepancies in milk labelling.
The inspection reportedly found loose toned milk being sold as cow’s milk and loose standardised milk being sold as buffalo milk. Pasteurised milk was also reportedly supplied despite the absence of a pasteurisation facility.
IRCTC-Linked Kitchen Also Under FDA Action
An IRCTC-linked base kitchen in Kurla was also issued a licence suspension after inspectors found cockroaches, uncovered food and food preparation taking place near open garbage.
Four other establishments received improvement notices as part of the wider enforcement drive.