Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 14: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted a special statewide inspection drive on August 13 targeting establishments selling food through online delivery platforms, inspecting 86 establishments and taking action against several businesses over food-safety violations.
During the drive, one establishment was ordered to immediately stop operations, while 60 improvement notices were issued. The FDA also suspended 14 food business licences with immediate effect.
The suspended licences included five each linked to Blinkit and Zepto, two to Instamart, seven to Bhagwati Store and one to Swinsta Ent Pvt Limited, according to an official release.
The FDA also conducted inspections targeting milk and dairy products. A total of 698 kg of dairy products valued at Rs 34,302 was seized during the operation.
Authorities registered 10 FIRs in cases involving the sale, distribution and transportation of banned food products, including pan masala and gutkha. Nine people were arrested and banned stock worth Rs 46,76,631 was seized, the FDA said.
In addition, around 1,270 kg of other food products, including milk and dairy products, bakery items and edible oil, valued at approximately Rs 1,29,762, was seized.
The department also inspected 109 hotels, restaurants, dhabas and other food establishments. Improvement notices were issued to 49 establishments, while four food business licences were suspended.
According to the FDA, the overall value of seized goods, including banned and other food products, stood at Rs 46,89,603. A total of 15 raids were conducted as part of the special inspection drive.
The latest action comes days after the FDA suspended the food business licences of four Domino's Pizza outlets operated by Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd following inspections that allegedly found multiple food-safety and hygiene violations.
The affected Domino's outlets are located at Vile Parle West, Borivali West and R-City Mall in Ghatkopar in Mumbai, and Malakapour in Karad, Satara.