Maharashtra: FDA, led by IAS Tukaram Mundhe, suspends licence of 8 outlets; check the complete list

The FDA has intensified food safety inspections in Maharashtra during the festive season, leading to the suspension and cancellation of several food establishment licenses due to hygiene violations. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stepped up food safety checks during the festive season in Maharashtra. The drive, led by Commissioner IAS Tukaram Mundhe, has targeted poor hygiene and unsafe food handling.

In Mumbai, eight food establishments faced action after inspections found violations. The FDA suspended five licences and cancelled three others. Its 5 October press note listed the establishments facing these measures.

The suspended licences belonged to Cafe Sultan in Kalina and Lo Fresh Food in Marol. Country Club and Suraj Lama Momos in Andheri West faced suspension. Cafe Pakeezah in Santacruz West was the fifth establishment to have its licence suspended.

The FDA cancelled Blinkit's licence in Vile Parle. Copenhagen Hospitality in Vile Parle and Eatclubs in Bandra West also lost their licences.

Inspectors reportedly found problems with food handling, storage, sanitation and cleanliness. They identified gaps in measures intended to prevent contamination. The FDA considered these violations serious enough for action under food safety regulations.

The enforcement drive also covered prohibited food items across Maharashtra between 1-5 October. Operations in Konkan, Pune and Nashik led to seizures, police cases and arrests.

In the Konkan division, officials inspected six establishments. They seized prohibited food stock worth ₹2.18 crore. Six FIRs were registered, and 14 people were arrested. Officials sealed two establishments and seized four vehicles worth ₹67 lakh.

In Pune, seven establishments underwent inspection. Prohibited food stock worth ₹1.38 lakh was seized. Seven FIRs were registered, while 10 people were arrested. Four establishments were sealed, and one vehicle was seized.

Nashik officials inspected two establishments and seized prohibited food stock worth ₹3.30 lakh. The action resulted in two FIRs and two arrests.

Tukaram Mundhe clarifies stance on prasad distribution

Maharashtra FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe earlier clarified that the latest festive directive was about food safety. It aims to prevent adulteration and ensure safe food during festivals and public gatherings.

He told PTI that people appeared to have misunderstood the standing order. The directive does not control festival celebrations or traditions, such as prasad distribution.

According to Mundhe, food safety rules apply equally to weddings, bhandaras, Eid, Christmas and other gatherings. The legal framework has existed since 2011and includes food business registration and licensing requirements. The directive creates no new law, licensing system or additional restrictions specifically targeting festivals.

The FDA recently introduced a Festival Enforcement Calendar covering the entire year. It provides a system for monitoring food safety during public celebrations. This followed months of stronger action against adulteration.

About the Author

Sounak Mukhopadhyay covers trending news, sports and entertainment for LiveMint. His reporting focuses on fast-moving stories, box office performance, digital culture and major cricket developments. He combines real-time updates with clear context for everyday readers. <br><br> Sounak brings newsroom experience across breaking news, explainers and long-form features. He has a strong emphasis on accuracy, verification and responsible storytelling. His work tracks audience behaviour, celebrity influence and the business of sport and cinema. He helps readers understand why a story matters beyond the headline. <br><br> Sounak has contributed to widely read digital publications. He continues to build a body of journalism shaped by consistency, speed and editorial clarity. He is particularly interested in the intersection of media, popular culture and public conversation in contemporary India. <br><br> At LiveMint, he writes daily coverage as well as analytical pieces that interpret numbers, trends and cultural moments in accessible language. His approach prioritises factual depth, balanced framing and reader trust. The reporting aligns with modern newsroom standards of transparency and credibility. <br><br> Outside daily reporting, he explores storytelling across formats including podcasts, filmmaking and narrative non-fiction. Through his journalism, Sounak aims to document the rhythms of modern entertainment and sports while maintaining rigorous editorial integrity. <br><br> Sounak continues to develop audience-focused journalism that connects speed with substance in a rapidly-changing information environment. His work seeks clarity, trust and lasting public value in every story he reports.

^{Get Latest real-time updates}

Stay updated with the latest Trending, India, World and US news.

HomeNewsIndiaMaharashtra: FDA, led by IAS Tukaram Mundhe, suspends licence of 8 outlets; check the complete list