Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 29: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licences of five prominent clubs in Mumbai after inspections revealed serious violations of food safety and hygiene norms. Another establishment was ordered to immediately stop its food business for operating without a valid licence.

The action followed a special inspection drive carried out on July 27 across seven food establishments, including clubs, canteens and restaurants, in Greater Mumbai. The FDA said five establishments had their licences suspended, one was directed to cease operations, while another was issued an improvement notice.

The clubs whose licences have been suspended are The Cricket Club of India Ltd, RK Juhu Gymkhana, The Aparna Juhu Gymkhana, MIG Cricket Club in Bandra East, and The Willingdon Sports Club.

During inspections, officials found multiple violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, including poor sanitation, pest infestation, improper food storage and inadequate hygiene practices.

At The Cricket Club of India Ltd, inspectors reported cockroach and fly infestation in food handling areas, poor waste management, water dripping onto stored food, clogged drains, spoiled vegetables and expired food items. The club was also found lacking proper food labelling, adequate segregation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food preparation areas, and measures to prevent cross-contamination.

At RK Juhu Gymkhana, the FDA found deteriorated infrastructure, poor drainage, inadequate hygiene facilities, improper food storage temperatures and the absence of records relating to the use of cooking oil. Food handlers were also found not wearing gloves, caps or aprons.

The Aparna Juhu Gymkhana was found using rusted cooking equipment and had inadequate sanitation facilities, improper segregation of raw and cooked food, and lapses in sanitising food-contact equipment. Officials also noted that mandatory food safety audits had not been conducted.

At MIG Cricket Club, inspectors found that an unauthorised catering agency was operating without a valid FSSAI licence. The club was also cited for pest infestation, poor food storage, absence of food and water testing records, and a lack of trained technical staff.

The FDA directed Goregaon Sports Club in Malad West to immediately cease food business operations after discovering it was operating without the mandatory FSSAI licence or registration, in violation of the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

The Willingdon Sports Club was also found violating food safety norms, with officials reporting poor drainage maintenance, damaged ceilings, inadequate temperature monitoring, outdated food testing records and the absence of proper cleaning schedules.

The FDA said the enforcement action was aimed at ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and safeguarding public health by preventing unsafe food practices.