Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 19: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food safety licence of Bandra's Otters Club after an inspection found alleged use of analogue paneer and several hygiene violations at the establishment.
The action, taken on August 18, led to the suspension of restaurant and bar operations at the elite club. The FDA said a product labelled “Regular Paneer”, manufactured by Punjab Sind Dairy, was found at the premises and identified as analogue paneer.
The inspection also found several hygiene-related shortcomings, including dirty and damaged flooring, blocked drainage, defective refrigerator gaskets, temperature fluctuations and improper implementation of the first-in, first-out (FIFO) system.
The club reportedly expressed shock over the action, stating that it had been assigned 88% compliance during an earlier FDA inspection.
The action was part of a statewide inspection drive conducted by the Maharashtra FDA between July 14 and August 17 to check food safety and hygiene standards at hotels, restaurants and other food establishments.
During the drive, officials inspected 65 hotels, restaurants and dhabas across Maharashtra. Improvement notices were issued to 50 establishments, while eight food licences were suspended. Food stock worth around Rs 1.07 crore was also seized, including banned food products valued at Rs 99.39 lakh and other food items worth about Rs 8.22 lakh.
At Daily Fresh Bakers & Cakes in Dahisar, FDA officials reportedly found cakes being prepared directly on the floor. The inspection also detected cockroaches, flies and ants in the kitchen, along with alleged use of expired food colours. Mandatory documents, including medical fitness certificates and food and water testing reports, were reportedly unavailable.
Officials also took action against Raj Oil Trading in Vile Parle after finding poor storage practices and hygiene issues. Signs of rat damage were reportedly found on some oil packets, following which the establishment's licence was suspended.
At a Zepto outlet in Chembur, officials found alleged sanitation and temperature-control violations. Chilled non-vegetarian food was reportedly stored at 9 degrees Celsius instead of the prescribed 5 degrees Celsius or below, while frozen food was kept at -11 degrees Celsius against the required -18 degrees Celsius or below.
The FDA has also intensified its crackdown on banned pan masala, gutkha and similar products. Seven FIRs have been registered, 10 people arrested, three shops sealed and three vehicles seized during the drive.
Nashik recorded the biggest seizure, with banned products worth around Rs 88.36 lakh confiscated. Two FIRs were registered and two people were arrested in connection with the seizures.