Maharashtra FDA suspends licences of McDonald's, 12 others after flies, cockroaches found

According to the FDA, inspectors found numerous live flies and dead cockroaches in the kitchen. They also reported peeling paint and plaster on the ceiling above food preparation areas, washing powder and other chemicals stored close to food, food items kept directly on the.

The McDonald’s Family Restaurant kiosk at Metro House in Colaba, operated by Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd, also faced immediate suspension of its FSSAI licence. During a reinspection on August 19, officials found that 18 of the 20 deficiencies listed in an earlier improvement notice.

What Happened

The inspection reportedly found uncalibrated refrigeration equipment, live cockroaches, a lack of pest traps, rotting food waste on the kitchen floor, dirty cleaning cloths and dust-covered light fixtures without protective shields. Employees were also found handling ready-to-eat food without washing their hands.

• Apart from the suspended licences, the FDA said regulatory action had been initiated against five other establishments in the Pune division over suspected food adulteration.

• Officials further found that the restaurant did not maintain records showing that the water used for food preparation had been tested.

• Food stored in refrigerators and freezers was reportedly neither properly stored nor labelled, raising concerns over cross-contamination, chemical contamination and the possible use of expired products.

Key Details

The outlet had submitted a 148-page compliance report on August 12, but the FDA said most of the serious deficiencies remained unresolved during the reinspection. Officials also flagged the alleged use of a processed non-dairy or analogue preparation, “GO Cheese SAUCE”, despite.

• The restaurant was also found to lack dedicated storage arrangements for food items, packaging material, chemicals and employees’ personal belongings.

• The FDA warned that prolonged storage of food grains and flour can lead to moisture accumulation, mould formation and increased insect infestation, potentially compromising food safety.

• According to officials, workers told inspectors that the flour would still be used after the insects were manually removed.

Why It Matters

Novaara restaurant in Malad, operated by Ingenious Kitchens Pvt Ltd, also lost its food business licence after a reinspection on August 13 found that 14 of 25 serious deficiencies listed in an earlier improvement notice remained unresolved. The FDA said the violations.

• Shrikant Karkale, Joint Commissioner, FDA (Food), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division, said inspectors found jowar and bajra flour infested with insects and kept ready for use.

• In a separate action in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the FDA suspended the licence of Chhappan Bhog Thali Restaurant and Banquet Hall following a surprise inspection.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge