FDA suspends licences of 13 Maharashtra eateries including McDonald’s

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended food business licences of 13 establishments, including the Bombay Presidency Radio Club and a McDonald's outlet in Colaba, after inspections found serious hygiene violations. The drive covered 89 hotels and restaurants, with improvement notices served on 71 others. FDA commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, who took charge in May, has intensified the crackdown.

During an August 19 inspection, the Radio Club recorded a 47% non-compliance rate, with live flies and dead cockroaches found in the kitchen. McDonald's Family Restaurant kiosk at Metro House faced immediate suspension after a re-inspection found 18 of 20 earlier deficiencies unresolved, including live cockroaches, uncalibrated equipment, and alleged use of a non-dairy cheese sauce despite claims of real cheese. Other outlets like Novaara in Malad and Status Restaurant in Nariman Point also lost licences.

A McDonald's India spokesperson said the company has zero tolerance for food safety issues and follows rigorous standards, including use of real cheese. The FDA also suspended licences of Khar Gymkhana, Bajrang Sweet Mart, and several outlets outside Mumbai, including Du Brothers Shawarma in Nagpur and Chhappan Bhog Thali in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.