Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 8: A live rat was found moving inside a large container filled with gulab jamuns at a sweet shop in Maharashtra's Bhiwandi, triggering public outrage and prompting action by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
A video showing the rodent moving among the gulab jamuns kept for sale has gone viral on social media, raising concerns over hygiene, food storage and safety standards at the establishment.
The matter was brought to the attention of the Maharashtra FDA after the video surfaced online. Officials issued a notice to the shop, identified as Harish Gulab Jamun, and initiated action over the reported food safety lapse.
The FDA has also directed that operations and the sale of food items at the establishment be halted until further notice. Further action is expected after officials examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether additional food safety violations have occurred.
The Bhiwandi incident comes amid an intensified crackdown by the Maharashtra FDA on food safety and hygiene violations under Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe.
In recent weeks, the department has taken action against eateries over poor hygiene, improper storage, inadequate documentation and other safety lapses. Licences of eight eateries in Mumbai were suspended, while the registration certificates of three others were cancelled or suspended during separate inspections.
The department has also seized chemically ripened bananas, banned gutkha and pan masala, adulterated milk and khoya as part of its enforcement measures.
In Pune district, the FDA recently uncovered suspected milk adulteration involving detergent and Nonylphenol Ethoxylate. As part of the related action, 16,730 litres of milk were destroyed.
In Akola, around 1,900 kg of khoya was seized ahead of the festive season for examination of its quality and hygiene standards.
The Bhiwandi case is likely to face further scrutiny as the FDA examines the shop's food handling and storage practices. Further regulatory or legal action could follow depending on the findings of the proceedings.